Brief Background
Formed in 1992 during the Malawi’s political transition from one party to multi party system of government, the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) remains a key civil society organization in the field of human right, mediation, advocacy, HIV/AIDS, Gender based Violence, religious co-existence, electoral processes and peace and security.
It’s success in ushering in multiparty democracy emanated from its institutional architecture that entailed the establishment of the National Consultative Council (NCC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) within the organisation. The NCC was the principal transitional body for the formulation of policy required during the transition, but the cabinet and the single party parliament had the right to reject and refer back to NCC unacceptable proposals.
On the other hand, NEC’s role was that of monitoring the implementation of transitional legislation and policy, and passing on NCC’s proposals to cabinet for consideration. It is registered under Trustee Incorporation Act and located in Capital City, City Centre, Embassy Zone, next to UNDP in Lilongwe. During its formation, it assumed various names such as: Ecumenical Committee, Extra-ordinary Committee, Malawi National Affairs Committee, National Affairs Committee.
Then became Public Affairs Committee during Chilema meeting in August,1992 in Zomba. As one of the institutions accredited and serving in the COMESA CSO Steering Committee of Peace and Security Programme, the organization has not only been involved in the preparations of the 20 July demonstrations but also 1 got involved in the UN led Presidential Committee Dialogue Group negotiations following the July 2011 demonstrations that led to the handing over of the 20 point petition to the leadership of the country. The history of PAC in dialogue processes cannot be overemphasized.
In 1992, it maintained dialogue with Dr. Banda’s regime through Presidential committee on Dialogue (PCD) which resulted in multiparty system of government. In 2003, it spearheaded a campaign against open and third term constitutional amendment. In 2007, PAC maintained dialogue with major political parties on 565 and Budget. With its extensive experience in the political processes, the organization has previously hosted COMESA on CSO initiatives, participates in COMESA and SADC observation missions, Africa-EU Joint Strategy for Development and AU- ECOSSOC initiatives at international level. Against this background, issues of good governance and peace building occupy the centre stage of PAC’s strategic direction, and any state’s deviation from the expected democratic norms attracts its intervention through advocacy and constructive engagement. Since its formation, PAC has taken lead in national public advocacy and countrywide programmes. It has over 4,500 volunteer at both regional and district level.
It terms of PAC’s decision architecture , the General Assembly is an annual platform where its members endorse policy decisions and direction. It has trustees who are the legal owners of the organization that also plays an oversight role on the Executive Committee that work on regular basis with the secretariat. Major networks representing different faiths known as ‘mother bodies’ are co-opted into the structure for inclusive decision-making and ownership. Its volunteer structure funnels down from regional to constituency level. In order strengthen youth and women participation, PAC implements youth early warning and Response , and Women-In-faith projects to complement PAC’s national initiatives on conflict prevention, management and resolution as well as electoral interventions during tripartite elections and bye-elections.
Advocating for Transformative Leadership in Malawi
Vision Statement
“A Malawian society with internalized democratic values and practice.”
Mission Statement
“A Malawian society with internalized democratic values and practice.”