Chiefs have been dubbed as the
most respected office in Malawi by some commentators, yet time and again the
office has let down Malawians by partaking in partisan politics and being used
by politicians.
Kamuzu Banda used the chiefs to
spread his one party ideals Muluzi also used the chiefs to advanced his yellow
ideals but the chief’s political prostitution hit hard during the Bingu wa
Mutharika era where they were drafted in to defend controversial propositions
some beyond the chiefs understanding.
The most recent gaffe the chiefs
have dabbled in is when they unanimously echoed Mutharika anti-devaluation
stance following the luncheons the men of the robe had with the late president.
Chiefs are essential in
implementing many programs at the grassroots level, with the upcoming 2014
election chiefs will be needed in civic education exercise, voter verification,
helping to curb violence, just to mention but a few.
With the chiefs dabbling in
politics will they not negatively impact the process? What should happen to
ensure that the chiefs serve their role professionally?
Chancellor College’s Associate
Professor, Mustafa Hussein says it’s difficult to bring democracy to an
institution that is assumed undemocratically by way of heredity. He however
emphasized the need for such an office to be democratic.
“Traditional Leadership is
provided for in Malawi in the name of the Chiefs Act as such I feel chiefs
should play a role in enhancing democracy by being accountable, avoiding corruption
and avoiding political manipulation.”
Hussein called for a review of
the Chiefs Act to include stipulations that Cleary speak about chiefs and their
relationship with politicians and ways of enforcing procedures in case chiefs
do not abide by the stipulations.
Dr Blessings Chinsinga who used
to argue for chiefs has considerably reconsidered his stance and is now a big
critic of the chiefs, in one of his writings Chinsinga says chiefs are a
confusing office as they are listed as very corrupt and yet most trusted by Malawians.
Chinsinga says chiefs breach
people’s trust In search of short term self-aggrandizement. He listed the
chief’s support of Bakili Muluzi’s Third Term bid and Chiefs coming out in
support of Peter Mutharika during the DPP rule. Chinsinga wonders how all chiefs
in the country suddenly have one view on a matter.
He also trashed the defence the
chiefs use saying they work with the government of the day saying that is an
abuse of the term because everyone is entitles to work with the government of
the day but that does not mean forfeiting constructive approaches to issues.
Chinsinga pointed out that the
Chiefs Act empowers the Chief Political Officer to do away with chiefs he deems
irrelevant a thing that traps the chiefs into self-censorship.
Human rights activist, Billy
Mayaya also called for a review of the Chiefs Act to repeal some things that
are not in tandem with Malawi’s democracy and to bring in changes that enhance transparency,
accountability, inclusiveness
tolerance equity and equality
“Chiefs need to internalise values and principles of democracy in order
to be at the forefront of a dynamic- not a static-institution that
respects protects and fulfills the rights of all subjects irrespective of gender
creed or political orientation,” said Mayaya.
For a chiefly perspective, Weekend Nation spoke to GVH Ngolowera from
Kwa Golden, T/A Chikumbu in Mulanje. We asked the chief what should happen for
them to avoid political manipulation.
“Yes, Chiefs are like parents, they should be impartial and should
oversee everyone regardless of their political party. If chiefs are to be
impartial, I think they should not be allowed to comment on political affairs
or participate in political campaigns and instead just listen to all views
spoken by politicians and subjects,” said Ngolowera.
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| GVH Ngolowera |
Hussein echoed Ngolowera’s sentiments and added that chiefs should
realize that their institution is one of the most respected and thus they
should represent all interests of all by helping democracy flourish.
As 2014 comes around, chiefs will be the target of politicians looking
to use the chief’s traditional popularity for electoral gains, chiefs will be
looking to the various politicians, especially the highest bidder for a pay-off
in exchange for a hand in selling the politicians to the people, until the
Chiefs Act or some law comes in this is how things will be.
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