Lib Dem MSP Begins Malawi Trip

An MSP is beginning a four-day visit to Malawi in a bid to help boost democracy in the African nation.

Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur is taking part in a seminar being organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) which brings together elected politicians from across the Commonwealth.

Mr McArthur and CPA colleagues from Uganda, Kenya and Zambia will deliver a seminar for members of Malawi's National Assembly on strengthening parliamentary democracy.

The seminar in the capital Lilongwe runs from Wednesday to Friday and will also look at working with the media, engaging with constituents and holding governments to account.

Speaking ahead of the visit, McArthur said: "The ongoing relationship which this parliament has with colleagues in Malawi is something of which we can be rightly proud.

"We have worked closely with the National Assembly of Malawi over a number of years in order to contribute to parliamentary democracy and strengthen the institution of parliament by knowledge transfer and sharing good parliamentary practice.

"I am proud of the impact our work has had but there is still clearly more support we can give. I am looking forward to meeting with colleagues and discussing with them how parliamentary democracy can be developed.''