ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the extent of institutional consolidation in the country and its impact on civil, political, economic and cultural rights. It also examines the several election cycles in Malawi, including the latest elections that were held in 2014 which marked two decades of uninterrupted democracy. The book explores the relationship between political parties, political settlement and development. It describes specific case of agricultural policy aimed at generating youth employment. The book discusses the Malawian public service, a key institution that the government uses to implement national policies aimed at promoting economic and social development. It focuses on local government and the political economy of local level politics. The book also provides an important source of knowledge about political transformation and inclusive development in one of the world’s most impoverished nations.
