US embassy cable - 04LILONGWE244

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000244 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, KDEM, PINR, MI, Political, Elections 
SUBJECT: INDEPENDENTS STAND OUT AS PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES 
 
REF: 03 LILONGWE 1202 
 
1. (U) On the official roster of candidates contesting in the 
May 18 parliamentary elections, each parliamentary district 
generally has between 4 and 13 candidates, with a notable 
number of contestants registered as independents.  The ruling 
United Democratic Front (UDF)/Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) 
coalition, the opposition Mgwirizano Coalition, Malawi 
Congress Party (MCP), and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) 
were the only parties able to field contestants nationally, 
but with heavy concentrations in their respective regions of 
main support.  Many of the independent candidates are recent 
defectors from the ruling UDF.  Most parliamentary districts 
have at least one female contestant. 
 
COMMENT 
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2. (SBU) Large numbers of independent candidates contesting 
in parliamentary elections is a new phenomenon for Malawi and 
is likely a result of discontent about the ways in which 
party primaries were run.  While the presence of independents 
represents a new willingness by candidates to maneuver 
outside the generally machine-like operations of the 
political parties, it is uncertain that candidates contesting 
as independents, if successful, will remain unaffiliated, 
especially if their former party is voted into power.  In 
most instances, the independents separated from their parties 
after losing a primary race, and they have no real grievances 
with their former party.  (It is telling to note, however, 
that party discipline within the ruling UDF is eroding.)  At 
any rate, Parliament after the May elections will be much 
more politically diverse than at present.  At least seven 
parties are poised to win one or more seats in the House, and 
the creation and interplay of parliamentary coalitions will 
likely tax the National Assembly's ability to critically 
examine and pass legislation. 
BROWNING