Malawian Politics

I don't know much about any kind of politics, but shortly before I left for Malawi, the death of Malawi's president was in the news. Shortly after that it was announced that their new president was a woman: Joyce Banda. 

I had never heard about Joyce Banda before, but found out that at the time of Bingu wa Mutharika's death, she was the vice president of Malawi. Despite apparent attempts for Bingu's brother to succeed him, Joyce managed to get the support of the majority of the ministers of parliament and according to the law, she was sworn in as president of Malawi shortly after Bingu's death; becoming Africa's second elected female president (after Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia). 

Traffic hold up for President Joyce Banda's motorcade

While I am not very interested in politics, I am interested in what people think and I asked one of the drivers who took us to Zambia, what he thought about having a female president. He's Malawian and looked like he was in his mid twenties, if not younger. He said he's very happy about having a female president. 

He's also very happy that she was able to come into power peacefully, no bloodshed. But he also acknowledges that she faces a lot of problems as the president of Malawi. 

I asked him what she hoped she would do for Malawi as president. He said he hoped it would be possible for her to finish building Nsanje inland port, which President Bingu started. The port would link Malawi to the Indian ocean, by opening the Shire and Zambezi rivers to navigation, so that importing food and other goods into Malawi would become cheaper and this would translate to cheaper cost of living for Malawians. (Large parts of the rivers run through Mozambique, presenting some logistical problems.)

He also hoped she would build more tertiary education institutions, for obvious reasons. And lastly he hoped that she would put an end to corruption. 

Only 3 tasks, but just those three could keep a president busy for years!

Besides the young Malawian I spoke to, when we were standing waiting for the motorcade (pictured above) to pass by, a few guys went by shouting "President Madame Joyce Banda" walking toward the front of the blockade to try to get a glimpse of her. And when her car did come by, those at the front of the crowd raised their hands and waved and cheered. 

I sincerely hope President Banda manages to resist the charms of power and riches, which have corrupted many an African leader who has started out with good intentions.