Bridging govt and civil society divide

Moves are underway to enhance interaction between Malawi's parliament and civil society to increase the flow of information to the electorate. The Blantyre-based Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI) embarked on a series of regional workshops with MPs, NGOs and the media, culminating in a national workshop held from 15 to 17 October. "The purpose of the national workshop was to deliberate on the feedback emanating from the regional workshops, and translate it into a feasible action plan that would be implemented by elected teams, with fixed deadlines to achieve their objectives, which were all aimed towards enhancing links and accessibility between parliament and civil society," the IPI said in a statement. Teams are now being formed to translate "into concrete action" the concept of building bridges between government, civil society and the electorate. Areas to be immediately addressed include capacity building for MPs, to enable them to understand subjects that are highly technical, thus enhancing their ability to contribute more constructively in parliamentary debates. Civil society's comprehension of parliamentary procedures was also identified as an area that needed improvement. The teams would also work on improving "channels of communication, for better flow of information from parliament to the electorate, i.e., better distribution of Hansard [parliamentary records] and fact sheets at grassroots levels". A permanent civil society office is to be established in the parliament buildings in Lilongwe. "The office would be manned by a parliament liaison or publicity officer," the IPI added. Crucial to the success of the initiative was revitalising the formal relationship with the media, through the media committee in parliament, so that they would be encouraged to participate in the committee. The introduction of legislation in areas of specific interest through private member's bills also needed to be encouraged, the national workshop found. Malawians will go to the polls in May next year to choose a new president and parliament.