Democratic Governance
PROJECT FACTS M&E of Malawi’s Sector Wide Approach to Democratic Governance Total budget: Project period: Location: Implementing partner: Partners:
USD 2,150,000 2008-2011 Nationwide Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs EU, Irish Aid, DFID, Government of Norway
Background Since the end of Hasting Banda’s regime in 1994 Malawi has taken important strides towards deepening and consolidating democracy. This includes the introduction of a multi-party system and competitive elections. Political space has gradually opened up and civil society organizations are growing in numbers and potency. The electoral processes in the country are gaining more credibility and legitimacy with the peaceful management of the Presidential Elections in 2009. The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) of 2006-2011 recognize that improving democratic governance is a foundation for poverty reduction and a sustainable development agenda. However, continued systemic constraints and challenges exist within democratic governance institutions. Coupled with a weak demand side and a lack of empowered citizens, this has resulted in poor delivery of justice and democratic accountability services, including to the poor and marginalized. Taking leadership in this area, the Government established a Sector Wide Approach to Democratic Governance in 2008. UNDP Malawi supported the consolidation of the Democratic Governance Sector Working Group (DGSW) under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman. The group coordinates and guides effective implementation of sector policies and strategies. Also, it serves as a management structure for open discussion and for strengthening mutual accountability between the Government of Malawi and development partners. The group divides its work in two sub-sectors on justice
Women voting in the 2009 Presidential Elections (USAid Photo Gallery)
and democratic accountability. With assistance from the Global Programme on Governance Assessments, a project was designed in 2010 supporting the Sector Wide Approach to Democratic Governance, and later the Sector Strategic plan for 20122016. The project aims to establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework through a participatory and consultative process. This will strengthen the evidence based work of the Working group, as well as provide a track record of performance providing accountability. Indicators and results from this framework will also inform the monitoring and evaluation framework of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II 20012-2016. Measuring Democratic Governance The Policy Framework Paper has seven pillars: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Rule of Law 5. Integrity, accountability and Human Rights transparency Access to Justice 6. Public participation Public safety and 7. Free and fair elections security
These pillars form the basis for the development of the first 5 years Democratic Governance Sector Strategy inclusive of the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
Supported by the Global Programme on Governance Assessments
Oct 2011
Main Components Household Surveys Two household surveys are conducted, collecting data on experiences and perceptions with regards to: 1. Justice Rule of Law Bribery and Corruption in the Justice System Legal Environment Access to Justice, fairness, professionalism and efficiency Informal Justice System Safety and Security Human Rights 2. Democratic Accountability Integrity, accountability and transparency, Public participation Free and fair elections Human Rights Institutional Capacity Assessments Multiple institutional sector wider capacity assessments are conducted with regards to:
Environmental, legal, policy and institutional/organizational framework and arrangements Program/project management capacity (leadership commitment, planning/budgeting, coordination, supervision/reporting, monitoring & evaluation, networking, communication); Technical capacity in the administration of justice and accountability Administrative capacity Financial management capacity. Material resources (equipment and tools) and geographical physical presence (infrastructure and services). The national budget allocation with regards to service delivery. Institutional mechanisms and management procedures at the technical and sub-sector level related to the Sector Wide Approach arrangement (project management, financial accountability, M&E mechanisms, ability to provide administrative data for the M&E system to be developed). Gender mainstreaming
Achievements - Formulation of the Policy Framework Paper (2010) - Sectoral/Institutional Capacity Assessments - Baseline household surveys (ongoing) - Roadmap to indicator development The Democratic Governance Sector Working Group has proven to be one of the most active of the 17 Sector Working Groups in Malawi and has successfully placed Good Governance aspects in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II. Sustainability The Sector Working Group Architecture (MTEF framework) is the basis for project implementation and sustainability. It provides a Government driven and nationally owned platform. The National Statistical Office (NSO) is the implementing partner for collecting household survey data, and will collect further rounds of data based ont eh request of the Working Group. The NSO will host the database. Stakeholders in the Democratic Governance Sector: 1. Judiciary 2. National Assembly 3. Ministry of Defence 4. Malawi Defence Force 5. Financial Intelligence Unit 6. Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security 7. Police Services 8. Prisons Services 9. Immigration Service 10. Ministry of Justice 11. Directorate of Public Prosecutions and State Advocate 12. Registrar General 13. Administrator General 14. Legal Aid Bureau 15. Human Rights Commission 16. Malawi Electoral Commission 17. Anti-Corruption Bureau 18. The Office of the Ombudsman 19. The Law Commission In addition: Different non state actors, the Malawi Law Society and Department for political and administrative studies.
Supported by the Global Programme on Governance Assessments
Oct 2011