Council for Non government organization of Malawi (CONGOMA) chairperson Macbain Mkandawire says the fact that civil society in the country was allowed to hold two demonstrations without being blocked by the government is a sign that government values the alternative voice.

“So far I would say the journey has been good; I think government has played the listening role as you can dully remember that we have held almost two demonstrations without them{government}baring us and I think they deserve to be commended,” said Mkandawire.

However, Mkandawire blames the opposition for being reactive and not proactive in its way of dealing with issues.

He said Malawians expect the opposition to offer alternatives to some of the decisions made by government and not just criticizing albitrarily.

“The opposition must never wait for government to make mistakes but they should contribute their ideas when issues are in their early stages,” stated Mkandawire.

The body also expressed its disapproval over a number of members of parliament who are changing their political colors.

“We after saddened as civil society with number of defections that are trekking to government side from opposition; these moves will automatically weaken the power of opposition which provides checks and balances,” added Mkandawire.

Meanwhile Gender Coordination Network-NGC chairperson Emmie Kaliya said the year just ended has displayed great improvement in putting women in positions of decision making.

She however said there is need for efforts from both quarters and not the government only if women in the country are to be promoted.

“I think as Malawians we have been getting it wrong where we think issues of gender are only for government. That’s not the case at all because they need to start with us in our homes and offices,” said Kaliya.

The civil society was very vocal during the early days of the current regime when they demanded a lot of women in positions of decision making.

CONGOMA is an umbrella body for all NGOs in the country while NGO gender GCN is a network of all non-governmental organizations working towards the promotion of equality between men and women.