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Malawi

Republic of Malawi

English common law with customary lawPresidential republicReviewed· 2026-08-03
Capital
Lilongwe
Population
20,900,000
Languages
English, Chichewa
Currency
MWK

Malawi · Constitution

Constitution of the Republic of Malawi

Adopted in 1994, ending three decades of one-party rule. Section 5 makes the constitution supreme and invalidates inconsistent law. It contains a justiciable bill of rights, provides for the High Court to exercise unlimited original jurisdiction, and creates independent institutions including the Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman.

The constitutional text

Adopted in 1994, ending three decades of one-party rule. Section 5 makes the constitution supreme and invalidates inconsistent law. It contains a justiciable bill of rights, provides for the High Court to exercise unlimited original jurisdiction, and creates independent institutions including the Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman.

Separation of powers

Unitary with three regions and 28 districts administered by local councils. Traditional authorities exercise recognised functions over customary land and local dispute resolution.

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