Political Science Association Announces 4th Biennial Conference Call for Papers

The Political Science Association (PSA) of Malawi has officially announced a Call for Papers for its upcoming 4th Biennial Conference, scheduled to take place from 8th to 9th August 2026 at the Sunbird Livingstonia Beach and Waterfront in Salima.

The conference will be held under the theme:
“Malawi’s democracy at the crossroads? Maturing Institutions or a Tailspin into Uncertainty?”—a timely and thought-provoking topic that seeks to examine the current state, resilience, and future trajectory of Malawi’s democratic governance.

Established under the Trustees Incorporation Act, the PSA is a professional body bringing together academics and practitioners from fields such as political science, governance, public administration, international relations, public policy, and political economy. The association plays a vital role in promoting research, policy dialogue, and critical analysis to support Malawi’s political and socio-economic development.

This year’s conference holds special significance as it marks 15 years since the establishment of PSA, and comes more than three decades after Malawi’s transition to multiparty democracy in 1993. It also follows the 2025 general elections, which ushered in a new administration and sparked renewed debate on the strength, performance, and independence of democratic institutions.

The conference will provide a platform for academics, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and citizens to engage in meaningful discussions and share insights on Malawi’s evolving political landscape. Key thematic areas include elections and democratic consolidation, governance and institutions, political parties, citizen participation, media and civil society, as well as emerging challenges such as digital influence, climate governance, and security.

The PSA is inviting abstract submissions (maximum 300 words) that clearly outline the research question, methodology, and key arguments. Accepted papers will be presented during the conference and may be considered for publication in the Malawi Journal of Politics and Public Affairs (MJPPA) following a rigorous peer-review process.

Key Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 April 2026

• Notification of Acceptance: 20 May 2026

• Full Paper Submission: 20 July 2026

• Conference Dates: 8–9 August 2026

Submission & Enquiries

All abstracts should be sent via email to:
📧 malawipsa@gmail.com
📧 hkayuni@unima.ac.mw
📧 bdulani@unima.ac.mw

Researchers and interested participants are encouraged to submit their work early and be part of this important academic and policy dialogue shaping Malawi’s democratic future.

📄 Full Conference Guidelines

For detailed submission requirements, formatting guidelines, and full conference information, please download the full Call for Papers document using the button below.