Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lilongwe (Agenzia Fides) – In Malawi, May 19 marks the fourth election day since the country's return to democracy in the early 90s. The elections include for president and seats in parliament.
How is the nation living the event? Fr. Piergiorgio Gamba, Monfortan missionary that has been in Malawi for over a decade now has sent Agenzia Fides a brief note on the hopes and expectations of the people, worn down by the hard economic and healthcare crisis.
“There is hope that these elections bring the trust and progress that are the only way out for the country's situation of hunger, cholera – which has spread all over the country including Balaka (where I am; in the Kankao hospital, in one night 14 people were hospitalized) – the irregular precipitation in various areas which could lead to drought in several regions. The electricity goes out more often each day and for longer periods of time, due to the fluid debris that blocks the electric turbines. These are the daily concerns for the people of Malawi who continue to fill the church with a steadfast loyalty to the faith and the community.”
As for political affairs, Fr. Gamba notes that “of the 15 political parties that had originally entered the race, several have backed out. Some said that the payment of 500,000 kwacha was too much and the local newspaper cartoon artists have taken advantage of the irony: how can you help the country if you are poor? But on the other hand, being rich doesn't guarantee you anything.
“I should point out something important. Among the candidates is a team of courageous women. Loveness Gondwe is already a member of Parliament and is running for President, with Vice-Presidential candidate Ms. Mwale. This just shows the effort being made by the women who have asked the parties that 50% of the candidates be women. The request was not accepted, however it is evident that the women are taking on more important roles. The fact that there are female Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates running together is already a challenge to the system, and aware of the fact that 52% of Malawi's population are women...we might just be in for a surprise,” Fr. Gamba concluded. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 12/2/2009)
