By PAC Correspondent
The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) is a membership organization operating as an inside mediator in Malawi on dialogue facilitation, advocacy and civic awareness.
PAC is registered under the Trustee Incorporation Act. It is a quasi-religious body accredited to the Africa-EU Joint Strategy for Development and AU- ECOSSOC.
The implementation structure for the PAC includes the General Assembly; which is the forum where member-organizations send delegates during Annual General meetings. The Assembly receives reports on finances and programme activities.
The General Assembly provides an opportunity for delegates to elect new Executive Committee members. Under the General Assembly is the Executive Board, Trustees and mother bodies who report to General Assembly but are also responsible for day-to-day policy issues.
The Executive Board, Trustees and mother bodies have a significant role in advocacy issues on behalf of all the member organizations and to represent the organisational values of quality and excellence; partnership; mutual trust; integrity and professionalism; knowledge sharing, supportive environment; respect for partners, hard work and commitment.
PAC has a secretariat located in the capital Lilongwe which is responsible for implementation of programmes. It reports to the Executive Committee and coordinates work with Regional Task Teams, District Coordination Teams and Coordinators, Trainers and Observers.
The Regional Task Teams comprise 10 clergy from various denominations at Regional level who support the secretariat on operational aspects and monitor Trainers in districts, among other things. The Trainers provide training session to local trainers countrywide who disseminate messages on civic education in local areas. And during elections, PAC deploys observers.
At least 4,500 independent PAC observers are deployed to observe registration and polling.
PAC was formed in 1992 during Malawi’s political transition from one party to multiparty system of government.
Todate, PAC remains a key civil society organization in the areas of political governance; electoral process; peace and security and human rights which contribute to enhanced social cohesion.
The vision for PAC is for a Malawian society with internalized democratic values and practices; and its mission is for an interfaith organisation that promotes human dignity in the Malawian society through advocacy, civic education and conflict transformation by the Grace of God.
