The wake of a new political order after 1994 gave rise to a shift in women’s status, rights, and political participation in Malawi.
Over 15 years from 1994 to 2009, women’s representation in parliament rose by 17.1% from 5.2% in 1994. In June 2009, the country saw an above-average increase in the representation of women in the cabinet at 23.8% from 20% in June 2008. In 2014, the representation of women rose to 13.4% from 8.1% in 2000. However, still present is an immense gender gap, resulting in a low representation of women in key decision-making bodies. In 1994, only 10 female candidates succeeded in being elected in the 1994 elections. Former President Mutharika in 2015 nominated only 3 women to his 20-member cabinet—resulting in only 15% of women being represented during his administration at the time.
By: Haleemah Shajira
Heading into the 2020 presidential election, Faure Gnassingbé was wrapping up his third presidential term, since becoming president in 2005. Prior to Faure Gnassingbé, his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, ruled for 38 years.
Legislative elections were held in Comoros on January 19, 2020. Comoros’ ruling party won an absolute majority conquering 17 out of 24 legislative seats.