Abstract

The reintroduction of multiparty politics in Malawi in 1993 saw the emergence of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Besides helping in the introduction of democracy, the other subsequent role of CSOs has been democracy consolidation. This study therefore makes a contribution towards this discourse. Its main focus is on the role of CSOs in democracy consolidation in the democratic Malawi. First, the study seeks to find out the state of democracy consolidation in Malawi. From this, the study looks at the relationship among CSOs and government, among others, as these play a crucial role in consolidation. Deducing from the findings, the study has found out that democracy consolidation is taking place in Malawi even though consolidation is yet to be achieved. Second, the study also assessed the relationship between CSOs and government of which it was concluded that there is largely lack of trust between the two. This connects to the third aspect of the study which is the challenges CSOs in Malawi are facing towards democracy consolidation. Notably, it has been a challenge to contain the understanding of democracy consolidation. Even in the context of Malawi, there is a complex and complicated relationship in the role of CSOs in democracy consolidation especially when government is involved. But overall, amidst challenges being experienced by CSOs towards democracy consolidation in Malawi, it is evident that some of their actions have been towards consolidation although Malawi’s democracy is far from consolidating.

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School	: School of Law, Economics and Government
Issued Date	: 2019

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