Some Development Issues and Debates

  By Mfumusaka  The release of the  IPOR 2025 pre-election survey , just days into campaign season, has generated both interest and concern. While opinion polling plays a legitimate role in democratic processes, the  substance, structure, and timing  of this particular survey raise important questions that merit closer scrutiny. 1. Too Many Convenient Coincidences The timing of the findings seems almost choreographed to match recent political developments. Just days after a controversial choice of running mate by the  Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  triggered widespread ridicule, that same party is suddenly projected to  lead nationally with 43% , and to command  37% in the North , a region where it has historically struggled outside unusual moments like 2009. The  United Transformation Movement (UTM) , which recently rejected an alliance with the DPP and remained independent, is shown  collapsing to just 5% , despite having sec...

  By Dr. Greenwell Matchaya, LLB, PhD 17 July 2025   In a major advance for democratic governance and constitutionalism, the High Court of Malawi , sitting as a Constitutional Court , has delivered a landmark ruling striking down Section 200 of the Penal Code , which criminalised defamation. The unanimous judgment , delivered in July 2025 by Justices Chifundo Kachale, Fiona Mwale, and Mzondi Mvula , affirms that the criminalisation of defamation unjustifiably infringes the right to freedom of expression as protected under Section 35 of the Constitution. Importantly, this judgment should not be misread as a dismissal of the importance of dignity and reputation in society. Rather, it is a reaffirmation of constitutional values , chief among them, the right of all citizens to participate in open, informed, and critical public dialogue without fear of criminal sanction. A Legal Milestone: Malawi’s Evolving Defamation Landscape The case was brought by political comme...