Alliance for Democracy (Malawi)

Alliance for Democracy (Malawi)
Founder Chakufwa Chihana
President Godfrey Shawa
Founded 1993
Colors Blue
National Assembly
1 / 193
Election symbol
Victory sign hand
Politics of Malawi
Political parties
Elections

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.[1]

History

AFORD began as an underground political movement under Banda's dictatorship under the leadership of trade unionist and political activistChakufwa Chihana.[2] 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.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5] 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.[6]

Internal politics

AFORD as a political party began to decline due to internal politics within the party.[7] AFORD's influence slowly became increasingly isolated to the Northern Region.

Elections

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

Presidents

Notable AFORD members

References