Public Affairs Committee mother bodies are meeting in Mangochi district where, among other things, they are getting a common understanding on emerging issues that include; the Cannabis Regulation Amendment Bill and Water Levels in Lake Malawi.
The PAC has invited experts on the two subject matters; Dr. Ketulo Salipira and Dr. Ka Dwight Kambuku respectively to make presentations for the appreciation of the Mother Bodies since the two matters have become subjects of interest for the whole nation.
This is a 2nd Joint Meeting of board of Mother Bodies; Malawi Council of Churches (MCC), Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM), Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) and Quadria Muslims Association of Malawi (QMAM).
Opening the meeting, PAC chair Thawale also observed that although the agenda of the meeting is focused on the two items, the country’s socio-political and economic landscape remain issues of serious public concern.
“In no way I am I accusing anybody but we must register our concern on behalf of our followers. The prices on products and services are exorbitant to the extent that one is not able to see any light at the end of the tunnel.
“On political governance, we feel that much more need to be done. Swift decision-making process and enhanced transparency and accountability remains a priority in a bid to improve the Malawi’s economy,” says Monsignor Thawale noting that a sound democratic governance has huge impact on economic development and that there is a symbiotic relationship between the two.
“Malawi needs action-oriented leadership in all critical levels to turn things around. We should be part of that leadership,” he said.
The chairperson said present failure in economic and democratic governance spheres would have a negative outcome on the 2025 electoral process:
“There is higher likelihood that voter apathy will set in. This will be an elephant in the room. Frustrations and loss of trust over the unsatisfactory governance and economic outcomes will greatly affect participation of potential voters in the electoral process,” he said.
He said the presence of the Mother Bodies at the meeting was symbolic of faith inclusive approach to advocacy, dialogue and mediation as they remain a source of peace and unity “despite the challenges we face at times within our fraternity we are still a beacon of peace”.
He, however, urged leaders to play a positive role in the socio-political and economic sphere “because successes on the latter contribute to conflict prevention.
“Good governance is central to the strengthening of national peace architecture in Malawi. Let us therefore start now to encourage people to participate in the forthcoming elections. Their full participation in the forthcoming elections may bring transformative leadership”.
Monsingor Thawale, however, advised Mother Bodies to refrain from posturing presidential candidates or potential ones.
He further observed that weak intraparty democracy and hate speeches would trigger conflicts in primary and general elections as such urged the faith community to encourage dialogue and other peaceful resolutions of conflicts as PAC engages players at all levels
He said “inclusivity, transparency and accountability will lessen internal party divisions on the road to 2025 election”.
Monsignor Patrick Thawale also announced the improvement of the PAC website where stakeholders and members of the public will have easier access to activities of the PAC and also Mother Bodies.
The PAC chair said the committee recognizes that “we are living in a digital world” where public access to information through internet, Facebook, Youtube, and other platforms is a right hence the improvement of the organization’s website pacmw.org.