A decade of legislature-executive squabble in Malawi, 1994-2004

Abstract

Malawian case gives reason to qualify common beliefs that multipartyism and democratization have toughened the surface of African politics. Contrary to common views which portray African politics as consisting of not more than patron-client relations1 or that whatever the outward form, the roots of the system remain the same and these will flow in new environments,2 our account of parliament in Malawi after the democratization process shows that the form of state is relevant. The opportunity to resist arbitrary extension of presidential power was exploited by parliament, judiciary, and civil society. Arguably, in this case, politics cannot be reduced to a cynical game for state resources embedded in patron-client relationships.