Alliance for Democracy (Malawi)

The Alliance for Democracy is a political party in Malawi that marked its history as laying the foundation for multi-party rule in Malawi. It began as an underground political movement during the Kamuzu Banda era and later evolved to a political party during the multi-party era under the leadership of trade union activist, Chakufwa Chihana. AFORD has a stronghold in the northern region. The president is Godfrey Shawa.^[2]

History

AFORD began as an underground political movement under Banda's dictatorship under the leadership of trade unionist and political activistChakufwa Chihana.^[3] He led an underground political movement that aimed at democratic multi-party rule.He was the first person to openly challenge the system. Therefore, he is known as the 'father of Malawian democracy' for his role in ushering in multi-party rule in Malawi.^[4] He was arrested in 1992 when he returned to Malawi and his arrest heightened both domestic and international pressure.His arrest lead to increasing calls for multi-party rule both domestically and internationally.^[5] Chihana's freedom was supported by Amnesty International and by the Robert F. Kennedy Association. Soon after the churches issued a pastoral letter in support of democracy and multi-party rule. Banda agreed to a referendum on multi-party rule and Malawians decided to vote for a multi-party system.When political parties became legal in 1993, Chihana officially registered AFORD as an opposition party.^[6] AFORD had now moved from an underground movement to a registered political party. AFORD ran for the country's first elections in 1994 and came in third. Its founder, Chihana was appointed as vice-president.^[7]

Elections

At the last general elections, 20 May 2004, the party won 6 out of 194 seats.

Presidents

• Godfrey Shawa 2012–present
• Dindi Gowa Nyasulu x - 2012 (retired)
• Chakufwa Chihana 1992-

Notable AFORD members

• Chakufwa Chihana
• Enoch Chihana
• Bazuka Mhango
• Geoffrey Mhango

References