Suffrage is universal except for serving members of the military. Local elections are scheduled for September 2000. The May 1995 constitution provides strong protection for fundamental freedoms, but critics argue that it allows excessive presidential power and does not sufficiently safeguard women s and children s rights. Rights of free expression and free assembly are generally respected, but police continue to use unprovoked violence to disperse strikers. Many human rights and other nongovernmental organizations operate openly and without interference.
Religious freedom is respected.
The judiciary has demonstrated broad independence in its decisions, but due process is not always respected by an overburdened court system that lacks resources and training. A legal resource center has been established under the Law Society of Malawi with assistance from the British government. Thousands of impoverished Malawians cannot afford legal services and are eligible to receive help free of charge. Three presidential contenders sued the electoral commission in July 1999 for allegedly illegally declaring Muluzi the winner on the basis of how many votes he received. The argument is partially based on a conflict between what the constitution and the electoral laws say.