Coalition To Review Mutharika’s First Year October 20
Joseph Mwale
September 29, 2026
President Peter Mutharika’s first year in office is set to face scrutiny from a coalition of civil society and professional organisations on October 20 2026 at a national dialogue in Lilongwe.
The National Stakeholders Dialogue, scheduled for Bingu International Convention Centre in the capital city, will bring together government, Parliament, the Judiciary, civil society, academia, the private sector, media and other stakeholders.
A concept note on the dialogue shows that the meeting will assess the administration’s performance in economic and democratic governance, rule of law and anti-corruption, human rights and civic space, as well as the delivery of essential public services during the year.
The convening consortium comprises the Malawi Law Society (MLS), Youth and Society (YAS), Public Affairs Committee (PAC), National Advocacy Platform (NAP), NGO Gender Coordination Network and Political Science Association of Malawi.
YAS executive director Charles Kajoloweka last Wednesday met Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi and delivered a formal invitation to government representatives.
Reads the invitation: “Through these discussions, stakeholders will identify areas of notable progress, highlight emerging concerns, and formulate practical recommendations aimed at strengthening policy implementation, institutional effectiveness and service delivery for the benefit of both the government and Malawian citizens.
“We respectfully submit that government participation will be central to the credibility, inclusiveness, and overall success of the dialogue.”
The dialogue will run under the theme ‘From promise to results for citizens’.
In an interview yesterday, Kajoloweka said the administration’s participation was critical because the dialogue would provide an opportunity for stakeholders and government to jointly examine challenges affecting the country and identify ways of improving citizens’ welfare.
“I met [Saidi] and explained that it was important for government to participate. It is important because it also provides a platform for the government to provide a clear policy direction on various issues affecting the country,” he said.
In a separate interview, Saidi confirmed receiving the invitation, but said it was too early to confirm whether government officials would attend.
“I have just seen the letter, so call me tomorrow for that [on whether government will participate or not],” he said.
The concept note argues that democratic accountability should not be limited to election periods.
Commenting on the development, an expert on electoral and legislative politics and governance at University of Malawi (Unima) Gift Sambo said such engagements serve as catalysts for the entrenchment of deliberative democracy and a participant political culture.
“This forum provides the government with the opportunity to get critical information from actors that are not compromised by the logic of party politics,” he said.
Mutharika took his oath of office on October 4 2025 after winning the September 16 2025 General Election, making a comeback to State House after a five-year hiatus following his loss in the June 2020 court-sanctioned fresh presidential election.
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