A call for Constitutional restraint and moral leadership in Malawi

* At the heart of any constitutional democracy lies a simple but non-negotiable principle: individuals are arrested for alleged offences, not for political affiliation * To suggest otherwise, without the backing of judicial findings, unintentionally legitimises the dangerous idea that the rule of law is subordinate to political identity By Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango Former President Lazarus Chakwera’s recently publicised direct call to current President of Malawi, Prof. Peter Mutharika regarding the arrest of individuals perceived to be affiliated…

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Police IG office’s silence on reasons for invasion of Chakwera’s residence raises more questions if indeed the issue is about missing State dogs

Former President Lazarus Chakwera * There’s a lot of economic vandalism the MCP administration committed, which could result in big court cases, but dogs? No — don’t distract the nation * Apolisi 20 galu m’modzi? Don’t misuse national resources like that. Go after them for real cases, not jokes By Duncan Mlanjira It has been reported that around 13hrs this afternoon, about 80 Malawi Police officers invaded former President Lazarus Chakwera’s Area 6 residence in Lilongwe in search of…

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Chakwera’s reported ‘rejection’ from other sections as mediator in Tanzania; A scholar’s perceptive

* One of the strongest factors that has influenced Tanzania’s CSO’s reservations is the governance record of Chakwera’s own administration * Mediation requires not only neutrality but also evidence of effective governance, conflict resolution skills, and firmness in leadership — areas where Chakwera’s tenure generated mixed assessments Opinion piece by DCG Chief Economist, Chifipa Mhango When news emerged this week of a mixed reception after former President Lazarus Chakwera had been proposed as a mediator in Tanzania’s evolving political…

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‘Chakwera’s press conference was a political misstep that added little value to the national discourse and raised more questions than answers’—Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango

Chakwera address the media at MCP headquarters in Lilongwe * The briefing felt less like an act of leadership and more like a poorly timed attempt to control a narrative that no longer belongs to him * Coming at a time when Malawians are grappling with economic pressures, governance anxieties, and growing expectations from the MCP’s post-election aftermath * Rather than reassuring the nation, the press conference appeared defensive, reactive, and misaligned with Malawi’s current political mood By Duncan…

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Parliament constitutes new Parliamentary Service Commission

* Comprises Speaker Sameer Suleman as chairperson; Ismail Rizzq Mkumba, Chifundo Makande, Daniel Chitonya, Fred Penjani Kamlepo Kalua and Beatrice Roseby Mwale * The commissioning was presided over by First Deputy Speaker, Victor Musowa, who described as youthful, urging them to uplift the values of the august House By Duncan Mlanjira Parliament has confirmed the appointment of members of the new Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) for 2025-2030, in accordance with Section 194 d (1) of the Constitution whose chairperson…

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When accountability becomes convenient; If transparency matters now, why did it not matter then?

* Just four months ago, Simplex Chithyola Banda occupied the very office responsible for the economic decisions now suffocating Malawians * When the public raised concerns about reckless borrowing, rising inflation, and opaque negotiations, he dismissed criticism * When civil society asked for transparency in government spending, he defended the status quo. When others cautioned against the consequences of policy missteps, he remained unmoved Op-Ed by James Kadyampakeni Malawians have seen this script too many times — a leader…

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Outmaneuvered and out-smarted: How MCP lost the election

* Leaders who underestimate their people, assume control is permanent, and mistake entitlement for loyalty will ultimately fail * Chakwera and his inner circle need to reflect on this hard lesson if MCP wants to stay relevant * Malawi’s voters sent a clear message: political entitlement has limits, and those who take the electorate for granted risk facing severe consequences Op-Ed by James Kadyampakeni After Malawi’s recent election, one truth stands out clearly; the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) was…

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New Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman pledges to uphold constitution and serve people better

* Nominated by Karonga Central legislator Frank Mwenifumbo to represent the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), got 134 votes, while Peter Dimba of the Malawi Congress Party got 85 votes of the 221 votes * I stand before you humbled and honoured to have been elected as Speaker and I pledge to uphold the constitution and ensure that this house remains a symbol of democracy and accountability By Patience Longwe, MANA Parliament elected Chigumula-BCA Banana legislator Sameer Suleiman as the…

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Six of panga-welding gang that assaulted civil rights activist Slyvester Namiwa and civil servants arrested

* Appeared before Principal Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe yesterday charged with grievous harm, malicious damage, theft and robbery * They are Alfred Banda Kadula; Joseph Tilibe Gidien; Lameck Mandowa; Lester Haneck Aaron Kanjunga; Haward Hamuza; and Mavuto Njuchi * Joseph Tilibe Gidien is also linked to a separate incident of robbery that took place in Salima District By Santos Zefania, MANA Six of the panga-welding gang that disrupted a peaceful street demonstration in Lilongwe and assaulted civil rights…

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MEC rolls out centidaily countdown to 2030 general election

* The next General Election will take place on the third week of September that year — thus 17th September 2030 as according to Section 67 (1) of the Constitution * Provided that where it is not practicable for the polling day to be held on the Tuesday in the third week of September, the polling shall be held on any day, within seven days from that Tuesday, appointed by MEC Maravi Express After President Arthur Peter Mutharika assumed…

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