By Twimepoki Mangani

Lilongwe, July 28, Mana: Federalism Institute has re-echoed the need for a democratic governance revolution in the country in order to build a just and equitable society that will attain its full economic potential.

According to a joint press statement issued by the Federalism Institute,Youth Rise up and Economic Representative platform on Thursday, Federalism has the capacity to improve living standards and uphold personal freedoms.

“For years, Malawi has been struggling with a multitude of challenges, including lack of industrialization and lack of technological and infrastructure development. The country remains one of the least developed nations in the world given that the majority of its people live on less than a dollar per day an issue successive governments have failed to adequately address.”

“Since gaining independence in 1964 Malawians have suffered under a unitary system of governance founded on injustice, self-centered interest and manipulation of smallholder farmers,” reads the report in part.

The Statement indicated that alternative governance systems have deterred investors, and left high unemployment rates which largely affects the youth while leaving the rich natural resources under-utilized.

The Institute has written to Malawi Electoral Commission requesting that they cease preparation for the next elections until there has been a thorough evaluation of the governance systems and the progress made thus far.

Speaking on the sidelines of a press briefing at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, Leader of Federalism Institute, Lusungu Mwakhwawas aid they are set to initiate a referendum process for Malawians to choose which system they want.

He said the federal system of governance was ideal since it works in every nation used while further noting its capacity to address corruption.

“We are already at the first phase of federalism; we have already done administrative de-concentration, what remains are the political de-concentration, where you give people the power to decide how they want to be governed.”

“Corruption is a syndrome but with an adopted federal system, institutions like the Anti- corruption Bureau , which are not fully independent in practice will become so because we shall look at issues to do with institution reform therefore bringing government closer to the people,” he said

Simba added that though the Federal Institute was set close the country’s airports and borders on August 20, 2023 in a bid to advance their revolution, they are always open to engagein dialogue with leaders because they are law abiding citizens.

Representative of Youth Rise Up, Isaac Kathumba said once people have power there would be good governance and investors would ably make contributions to the country.