Power, Politics, and the Supernatural: Witchcraft and the Struggle for Democratic Governance

An article I co-authored with Johanna S. Adolfsson and Boniface Dulani in the Forum for Development Studies last year has sparked lively debate and considerable media attention. The piece examines a topic often left in the shadows of academic and policy debates: the political consequences of deeply ingrained beliefs in witchcraft. Although our study focuses on Malawi, its implications stretch across contexts where the supernatural and the political intermingle. At its heart, we ask a simple yet profound question: what happens to governance and democracy when political life is shaped by fears and beliefs in the supernatural?

Witchcraft as a political force

In Malawi, witchcraft is not a marginal belief confined to rural villages or the uneducated. Rather, it permeates all layers of society, including among urban elites and highly educated professionals. Politicians themselves are not immune. Many remain deeply shaped by traditional beliefs, often carrying these worldviews into their decision-making processes. The result is that witchcraft operates not as folklore, but as a powerful social and political force.

One of our key findings is that witchcraft undermines political transparency and accountability. Leaders, fearing accusations of supernatural manipulation or retaliation, often avoid disclosing information openly. Policies are crafted in secrecy, not solely for reasons of political expediency, but also out of concern that knowledge itself can be weaponised through witchcraft. This lack of openness corrodes trust between citizens and leaders, making it harder for democratic institutions to function effectively.

Fear, distrust, and democratic engagement

The political consequences extend far beyond the corridors of power. Witchcraft beliefs shape how ordinary Malawians perceive political participation. Individuals may shy away from running for office or even from openly criticising authorities, fearing that visible opposition could attract supernatural harm. This hesitation weakens democratic engagement by shrinking the space for dissent and accountability. Even success becomes politically fraught. Rapid career advancement or sudden wealth often triggers suspicion of witchcraft. In such an environment, elites frequently downplay their achievements or conceal their assets to avoid becoming targets of envy and accusation. Instead of celebrating success as evidence of merit or innovation, communities may interpret it as evidence of dangerous supernatural pacts. The result is a culture of secrecy and suspicion that inhibits social trust and collective progress.

The political economy of protection

These beliefs in the power of the supernatural do not remain abstract. They shape real political behaviour. During election campaigns, it is not uncommon for politicians and elites to consult traditional healers for protection against witchcraft. Rituals, charms, and spiritual consultations become part of the political toolkit, sitting uneasily alongside campaign rallies and policy manifestos. This reliance on supernatural protection underscores a broader tension between modernity and tradition. Malawi, like many other African states, is a society navigating rapid urbanisation, rising education levels, and deepening democratic practices. However, the persistence of witchcraft beliefs demonstrates that modernity does not simply erase older worldviews. Rather, it creates a hybrid political culture in which rational policy-making coexists uneasily with supernatural logics.

Implications for governance and development

Why does this matter for development? Because governance thrives on trust, transparency, and accountability – all of which are compromised in political systems shaped by the fear of witchcraft. When leaders hoard information or make decisions in secrecy, citizens are left suspicious and excluded. When communities distrust one another, cooperation for collective development projects falters. And when democratic participation is stifled by fear, accountability mechanisms break down. The consequence is that witchcraft becomes not only a cultural or social issue, but a developmental one. Beliefs in supernatural forces reinforce cycles of mistrust and secrecy, hindering cooperation that is vital for sustainable development. Infrastructure projects, health initiatives, and education reforms all require communities and leaders to work together. But in a political culture infused with suspicion, collective action becomes far more difficult.

Beyond Malawi: Wider relevance

While our study is rooted in Malawi, these dynamics are not unique to one country. Across the Global South – and indeed in many parts of the Global North – supernatural beliefs continue to influence politics, governance, and social trust. From conspiracy theories in Western democracies to spiritual politics in other African states, the boundary between the rational and the supernatural is often porous. Recognising this reality does not mean endorsing such beliefs. Rather, it means acknowledging their power and influence. Development actors, policymakers, and scholars must avoid the temptation to treat witchcraft as an outdated remnant of the past; they should understand it as a living social force with real consequences for how people engage with political institutions.

Towards culturally attuned policy

Our article argues for policy approaches that are culturally attuned rather than dismissive. Attempts to strengthen governance and democracy cannot simply import Western institutional models while ignoring the cultural contexts in which they operate. Engaging with witchcraft beliefs openly, rather than pretending they do not exist, offers one way to foster trust and design interventions that are both effective and legitimate. Participatory approaches are especially important. By involving communities directly in policy-making, development practitioners can better understand local worldviews and address fears of supernatural harm that may otherwise undermine cooperation. Such approaches are not easy, but they are essential if governance strategies are to resonate with lived realities.

Facing the unseen

Understanding the role of witchcraft in governance is not a distraction from the “real” issues of development. It is part of them. Politics is never simply about institutions and laws; it is also about beliefs, fears, and the unseen forces that shape human behaviour. In Malawi, as in many other contexts, the supernatural remains deeply entangled with the political.

If we are serious about building transparent, accountable, and democratic systems, we must take these dynamics seriously. Witchcraft, however uncomfortable it may be to discuss, continues to shape governance and development. Acknowledging this reality is the first step toward crafting policies that address the challenges of trust, secrecy, and accountability.

It is time to face the unseen in politics. Only then can development efforts hope to succeed.