## 3rd Biennial PSA Conference and Call for Papers

### THEME: 30 Years of Multiparty Democracy

- Posted By Admin
- On 15 Feb 2025-2026
- Tag: Politics, Economics, Foreign Policy

### Background and Purpose of the Conference/ Special Issue Journal

The Political Science Association (PSA) is a registered entity with a diverse membership of academics and professionals in the fields of political science, political philosophy, political and economic governance, public administration, international relations, public law, public policy and political economy analysis and other related disciplines relevant to the study, analysis and understanding of politics. The purpose of PSA is to contribute to political and socio-economic development of Malawi through promoting the study and analysis of politics through research, advocacy and policy dialogue.
The Political Science Association (Malawi), in collaboration with the editors of Malawi Journal of Politics & Public Affairs and the University of Malawi’s Department of Politics and Government, are pleased to announce its 3rd Biennial Conference, scheduled to take place from the 25th to the 27th of April 2025-2026. The theme of the conference is “30 Years of Multiparty Democracy: Reflections on Malawi’s Governance, Politics, and Development”. This conference holds special significance as it marks 30 years since Malawi transitioned from a one-party system to a multiparty democracy in 1994. In light of this important political milestone, the conference aims to serve as a platform for stakeholders to undertake a comparative analysis and a critical examination of the first 30 years of one-party rule (1964-1994) and the subsequent multi-party era (1994-2025-2026). Specifically, the2 overall objective is to gain insights into the political, social, and economic transformations that Malawi has experienced, hence drawing lessons for the future.
The 3rd Biennial conference will therefore provide a platform for academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to engage in deep discussions, share perspectives, and present empirical findings related to Malawi's political landscape over the two distinctive periods. In conjunction with the conference, the Political Science Association is calling for the submission of papers for presentation at the conference, which will be considered for publication in a special issue of the Malawi Journal of Politics and Public Affairs.

### Specific Thematic Areas

The Political Science Association of Malawi will hold its 3rd Biennial Conference from 3-4 May, 2025-2026 at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi under the theme: '3oth Anniversary of Multiparty Democracy: Reflections on Malawi's Governance, Politics and Development'. This is a Premium gathering of Local and International Political Scientists. For Details on how to be part of this gathering, email PSA Admin: admin@psamalawi.org.

### Purpose

Papers are invited on the following thematic areas, with a focus on the comparative analysis between the first 30 years of one-party rule and the subsequent multi-party era:

- Governance Structures and Political Evolution- Comparing the governance structures and political dynamics during the one-party era and the multi-party democracy.
- Party Politics and Institutional Framework- Analyzing the evolution of political parties, their roles, and the impact of the institutional framework on political stability.
- Socioeconomic Development- Assessing the impact of political systems on socioeconomic development during both periods, including issues of poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

- Citizen Participation and Political Culture- Investigating changes in political culture and the extent of citizen participation in the democratic process across the two eras.
- Foreign Policy and Diplomacy- Comparing the foreign policy approaches, regional integration relationships, and international standing during the one-party rule and multiparty democracy.
- Media's Role in Politics - exploring the role of media in shaping political processes during the two distinctive periods.

- Civil Society Dynamics- Examining the evolution and impact of civil society in promoting political accountability, inclusivity, and social justice.
- Anti-Corruption Strategies and Public Sector Reforms- Assessing the effectiveness of anticorruption strategies and public sector reforms in enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.

### Timelines

- Abstract Submission Deadline: 18th March 2025-2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 1 April 2025-2026
- Presentation of Selected Papers: 3rd Biennial PSA Conference, 3rd- 4th May 2025-2026
- Full Paper Submission Deadline: 17th May 2025-2026
- Publication: July - August 2025-2026

We invite interested scholars and researchers to submit abstracts addressing the conference theme, with a specific focus on the comparative analysis of the two distinctive periods in Malawi's political history. Abstracts should be sent to hkayuni@unima.ac.mw bdulani@unima.ac.mw by the submission deadline. Selected papers presented during the conference will be considered for publication in the July 2025-2026 issue of the Malawi Journal of Politics & Public Affairs.
For further details please download the concept note

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#### Comments (2)

##### PSA Senior Member

###### Few Hours Ago

On it

80 Reply
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##### PSA Executive member

###### 2 Hours Ago

Lets do this

62 Reply
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