Andrew Likowa, a farmer from the Nchisi district © Marcus Perkins/ Progressio

While the UK slips ever deeper into political scandal, as MPs expenses spiral out of control and Labour looks to be losing the plot, thousands of miles away some 14 million Malawians have just effected one of the most significant democratic victories seen in Africa for many years.

Just two weeks ago, they voted for an end to complacent politicians who many people told me “never seemed to listen to their constituents and just appeared to serve their own interests”. They voted for what many are calling “a new beginning”.

The people of Malawi wanted change. And change they got. In the May presidential elections, out of 193 seats in the parliament, President Bingu wa Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won 114. It was a routing of politicians, some of whom had served for many years and a momentous, landslide victory. It was also a mandate for a previously weak president who had led a minority government for the last four years, struggling to get legislation or even a budget through parliament.

There are many challenges facing Malawi and it is no surprise that people were going to vote for the person that had delivered some improvements in their lives, however minimal.

Since 1990, Malawi has ranked amongst the world’s 20 least developed nations. Life expectancy is just 46 years, child mortality is high and an estimated 1 million Malawians – 12% of the population – are thought to be living with HIV.

The biggest day-to-day concern for ordinary Malawians, 52% of whom live on less than $1 a day, is feeding their families. This is a predominantly rural society where a staggering 84% live outside urban areas, farming an average plot of just 0.5 hectares per household.

As the effects of an increasingly unpredictable climate take hold, cycles of drought combined with flash floods and frequent storms make traditional agriculture almost unfeasible in certain areas. It is only thanks to a recent government initiative to tackle Malawi’s growing food shortage that 2009 saw grain production jump three-fold on 2005 figures. But there is still much to do.

This critical situation facing the Malawian people – from lack of resources to low life expectancy – has come from years of political in-fighting and disregard for the struggles of ordinary people.

In his inaugural speech, President Bingu wa Mutharika spoke about the need to respond to these challenges and emphasized that Malawi’s development is at the heart of his agenda. The challenge is not just his of course; this election showed how civil society, and faith communities in particular, played an active role in achieving change. They also have a key role in Malawi’s long-term future, helping to pull its people out of critical poverty.

Poverty isn’t the only challenge though. Many people, including the churches, had real concerns that there would be violence in these elections. For two consecutive terms, former president Bakili Muluzi had been voted in against weak opposition. Although he was blocked from standing on this occasion having served a full eight years, he remained a powerful figure in the former ruling party, the United Democratic Front (UDF), actively manipulating ministers and, at times, even members of the DPP itself – a newly formed and, previously, a minority party. There was every chance it would turn nasty.

The churches in particular took the threat of violence seriously. Conscious of their role at the heart of Malawian society, they seized an opportunity to influence both the electorate and the country’s politicians. In a country where church and state are intertwined – and where politicians are open about their religion and respect and value the role of the religious communities and institutions – the potential for influence was vast.

And so they set to work. Across the country, church leaders were outspoken in their call for non- violent elections while congregations across the country engaged in a coordinated campaign of prayers for peace. Sunday sermons focussed on the need for a free, fair and peaceful vote.

High level events ahead of the May 24 poll, including a “Presidential Prayer Breakfast” held in the gardens of the Presidential Sanjika Palace, brought top politicians from both sides together along with 120 prominent church leaders, members of church-related organisations and NGO representatives. Broadcasting to the nation, the political parties reaffirmed their commitment to peace and to a common desire to improve the lot of the Malawian people.

The high profile nature of this campaign made it very difficult for politicians to encourage or condone outbreaks of violence. It is a clear indication how religious communities, and the religious leadership, can influence the culture and values of a society for the good.

At the same time, the church took active steps to help ensure the vote was free and fair. Alongside the international missions were local observers, many of whom were coordinated by church organisations, particularly Progressio partner, the Catholic Commission for Justice & Peace (CCJP).

Local people spent long hours monitoring the polling stations and supervising the counting of ballots. Their commitment was evident: they were often without food and did this work for a tiny payment. In Lilongwe Diocese itself, the CCJP singlehandedly monitored the vote in 22 constituencies – and agreement was reached across the board that the elections had been largely fair and free.

This positive election process has opened the gate for further electoral reform. Church organizations like the CCJP are already working to find ways to promote good leadership and standards in public life.

It has also invigorated democracy at a time when people were fed up with complacent politicians who were not listening to them. “They thought they were safe and they’ve had a surprise”, said one voter at a dinner I attended in Lilongwe.

Only when the people realize their power, can they then make it real. The people of Malawi have both realized and made real their power – and could talk of nothing else. They are pleased with the outcome, but they are also very pleased with the way the election was run.

I felt plenty of hope in Malawi, but there are also many challenges ahead. Not least the danger of complacency and authoritarianism from a leadership with such a large majority. But, the people here now know that they have the power to remove politicians, so everyone is on their toes.

I returned to London on the day of the European elections. As predicted, I saw nothing of the confidence in democracy or excitement I saw in Malawi. At my local polling station, I asked how the day had gone. I was told there had been a “steady trickle” of voters. I asked the same question of a voter in Lilongwe – his answer? “I had to queue for two hours but it was worth it!” There are vital lessons in Malawi’s recent success for us all.

Learn more about Progressio's work in Malawi

This article first appeared in the Church Times (12 June 2009)

Christine Allen is Progressio’s Executive Director