The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) says the country’s democratic institutions are increasingly becoming fragile a situation that is threatening the consolidation of democracy despite the fact that Malawi switched to multiparty democracy 20 years ago.

UDF Secretary General Kandi Padambo said this in an interview on Thursday. He was commenting on the progress made by the country since Malawians opted for a multiparty system through a referendum of June 14, 1993.

Padambo cited among other things absence of councillors for the local government, which he said has left too much power to be concentrated with the central government.

He blamed the situation on lack of leadership that is committed to strengthen such kind of institutions.

“Malawians need to be careful when choosing leaders. Because if you put wrong leaders that’s when we lose out. We need to put in place leaders who are committed to strengthen all the democratic institutions and make democracy thrive” said Padambo.

“UDF is proud to be the pioneer where as a pressure group alongside others fought hard for democracy. We are proud of that history and that is why as a party we stand up and speak when the rights of the people are being threatened” he added.

And in his comment Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) National Publicity Secretary Nicholas Dausi said the country has made commendable strides since 1993.

According to Dausi, the country’s democracy is maturing courtesy of vibrant constitutional bodies such “an independent Electoral Commission, an independent judiciary, and free media among others.” He however faulted the continued crossing of the floor of MPs in Parliament as a huge setback.

“People’s choices have been hoodwinked, leaders are still not answering to the dictates of the Constitution and the wishes of the people but their own interests. Because of regular crossing of the floor we have slackened,” said Dausi.

Public Affairs Committee (Pac) executive director Robert Phiri however described the 20 years of multiparty in Malawi as a mixed bag.

“We always have a promising process when we choose our leaders. We enjoy freedom at one point and then lose the freedom at some point in time,” Phiri said.

He, however, hailed the way leaders and people in the country have dealt with problems and situations that put democracy under threat. – By Chikondi Juma