Malawi: The role of the judiciary in Malawian politics

This paper from the Chr. Michelsen Institute in Norway describes the nature and extent of the role played by the courts in Malawian politics in the context of the 2004 presidential and parliamentary elections. The authors attempt to explain why the courts have come to occupy such a central position on the political scene in Malawi, looking at the recent history, as well as factors that explain why it has been difficult for the government to fully control the courts; what has motivated the judges to assume a political role; and what motivates the parties to bring political disputes to the courts.