Search results

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 1 September 2000

Diston Chiweza

The economic situation in Malawi is dire. Since 1981 the national currency has been devalued many times and World Bank and IMF measures have had to be implemented. A monthly cash…

1025

Abstract

The economic situation in Malawi is dire. Since 1981 the national currency has been devalued many times and World Bank and IMF measures have had to be implemented. A monthly cash budget system has been introduced for publicly funded organisations. Library systems have suffered and there is reliance on rather inadequate donor programmes. Users are frustrated, research is suffering and there seems to be only modest hope for the future.

Details

Interlending & Document Supply, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-1615

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 11 October 2021

Patrick Mapulanga, Dorothy Doreen Eneya and Diston Store Chiweza

The purpose of this paper was to assess the similarities and differences between the Political Parties and the Access to Information Acts in Malawi. While political parties are…

109

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to assess the similarities and differences between the Political Parties and the Access to Information Acts in Malawi. While political parties are largely funded by donations that are frequently kept as a secret, the Access to Information Act does not include political party funding among the categories of non-disclosed information.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the qualitative content analysis of the legislation in Malawi. Content analysis of the two pieces of legislation was adopted. This paper is a review of the literature and an examination of Malawi's Political Parties and Access to Information Acts. The document study was supplemented by a review of related literature on the two legislations.

Findings

The Political Parties Act prohibits the government, ministries and departments from directly or indirectly funding political parties. The Access to Information Act to ensure information generated by Malawi government ministries, departments and agencies is readily made available by the citizens when needed or requested. The Access to Information Act does not exempt political parties from disclosing their funding sources. The two acts work in tandem to promote accountability and transparency in political party funding and sources.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to Malawi's Political Parties and Access to Information Acts. Only the South African related acts have informed the paper. However, several acts within developing countries would have greatly aided the paper.

Practical implications

The implementation of the two pieces of legislation has implications for the balance between disclosure and non-disclosure of political party funding. Oversight functions and credible human resource capacity are needed in both political parties and government enforcement institutions.

Social implications

Oversight functions by the Administrator-General through the Registrar of Political Parties and the Malawi Human Rights Commission are key to the implementation of Malawi's Political Parties and Access to Information Acts, respectively. Proper enforcement of the oversight functions is expected to result in an open, transparent and accountable Malawian society.

Originality/value

Various players are needed in the accountability chain to protect disclosure and non-disclosure of information. Very little information is known on the powers, functions and duties of office bearers capable of enforcing legislation to keep political parties' funding clean. Little is known on how the citizens can access information regarding political parties funding.

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

Hester van der Walt

201

Abstract

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Abstract

Details

Interlending & Document Supply, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-1615

Keywords

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050