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The United States of America says it is important that Malawi conducts local government elections because democracy and accountability will be brought closer to the people.
US Ambassador to Malawi Alan Eastham made the remarks in Lilongwe last week during celebrations to mark his country’s 230th independence anniversary.
Eastham’s comments come in the wake of pressure from different stakeholders, especially Members of Parliament, who have criticised government for failing to hold the polls.
British High Commissioner to Malawi Richard Wildash also urged government recently to hold the elections during celebrations to mark the Queen’s birthday in Lilongwe.
President Bingu wa Mutharika on Tuesday last week told journalists he was willing to hold the elections, but said due to limited finances, other issues were to be prioritised.
Eastham said much as Malawi is facing a lot of challenges such as HIV and Aids, food insecurity and a growing environmental crisis, among others, government should consider holding the polls and not wait until other problems are solved.
“The advantage of local government is that it brings government closer to the people. I would encourage our friends in and out of government to consider that bringing democracy closer to the people should not be an after-thought that waits until these problems are solved,” he said.
On a positive note, the envoy commended government for its efforts to fight corruption. He said his government’s partnership with Malawi through the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) would strengthen institutions responsible for the rule of law, encourage governmental accountability and foster a free, uncensored and open press.
In her remarks, Foreign Affairs Minister Joyce Banda thanked the US for increasing assistance to Malawi in particular and Africa in general as reflected in the renewed commitment to the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) and the MCA.
Banda assured the envoy that government would continue to use assistance from cooperating partners, including the US, for the intended purposes.
Commenting on the local government elections, Banda said government is committed to holding the polls through a financial provision for the elections in the 2006/07 budget currently being debated by Parliament.
The minister said government is also implementing the decentralisation programme to devolve power to district, town and city assemblies.
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