LOCATION Lilongwe

SPEAKER Wendy Freeman

DATE 05/05/2009

Distinguished Religious Leaders
Chair and officers of the Public Affairs Committee
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning.

I am very glad to be invited to this high level conference on Interfaith dialogue on pre and post elections, which has come at an opportune time, just two weeks before the 19 May polls. I am honoured to be among so many distinguished religious leaders present here today. It is pleasing to note that all of you resolved to spare your precious time and converge here to discuss critical issues on the electoral process through interfaith dialogue.  I welcome you all – members of PAC, representatives of the Hindu Community, and other participants.

Some of you  may recall that 2 years ago His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester visited Malawi. He hosted a tea with religious leaders, some present here today, to discuss Interfaith issues. I am therefore delighted that this initial contact has been followed through to a much wider audience. Thank you to those involved. I know HRH would be very pleased.
PAC, as one of the oldest civil society organisations, has rich experience in dealing with issues of advocacy and lobbying. Coupled with the wonderful history of transforming this country from one party to multiparty system of government, the organisation’s network of both volunteers and religious institutions remains unique for programme implementation.

One cannot talk about elections in Malawi without recognising the role of the religious leaders through the Public Affairs Committee. Since Malawi’s political transitions in 1992, PAC’s mandate has always remained relevant in dealing with issues of national importance. One cannot forget the notable activity you undertook during the third term constitutional amendment in 2003. Your contributions to the political development in Malawi always remain in the minds of Malawians.

As all of us are aware, PAC has a special responsibility in the run up to the election, during, and after the polls. You educate the masses and take positions on what you expect of the various players. Through interfaith dialogue, you have always managed to advocate for good in the field of Human Rights and Democracy. Distinguished Religious Leaders: today’s theme is very important for the promotion of peace and unity through dialogue. Britain, with its own diverse cultural make up, values the importance of interfaith dialogue and that is why the British High Commission has provided support of 18.5million KW to PAC for a programme of related activities; this conference being one of them.

As we approach the May 2009 General Elections, the general public may well look to the religious community for guidance and leadership on peace and unity. As a key stakeholder, it is incumbent upon you to ensure that interfaith dialogue is maintained within your structure as a vehicle for dealing with issues of National importance.  

Your collective voice plays an important role, and this has become directly linked to conflict prevention especially during the electoral process and in times of political disputes. It is noteworthy that mediators during political disputes are drawn from PAC membership namely, Muslim Association of Malawi, Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi, Evangelical Association of Malawi, Episcopal Conference of Malawi and Malawi Council of Churches, which are represented here today.

Britain is looking forward to a free, fair, credible and peaceful electoral process in Malawi. I congratulate the Public Affairs Committee for its participation in the civic and voter education which is covering 22 constituencies in Malawi. I am also aware that you are actively participating in election monitoring through the Malawi Elections Support Network.
With these remarks, I would like to wish you all a very successful conference today and tomorrow. Thank you for inviting me. I have the pleasure now to officially declare the conference open.

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