President Dr Lazarus Chakwera appears in parliament on Thursday to answer questions from lawmakers after the House on Tuesday adopted a report by the Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament that allows the Malawi leader to undertake this constitutional requirement.
Mover of the motion deputy chairperson for the Committee Peter Dimba said this was a “femocratic milestone” for the country.
“The Constitution says the President shall come to Parliament to respond to issues raised in the SONA. The President can also be invited to come to Parliament when a member moves a motion so that the President may respond to questions from legislators. So the President is coming this Thursday in obedience to Section 89, Sub Section 3(c) that takes place before presentation of the budget but after the SONA debate,” said Dimba..
Noel Lipipa, legislator for Blantyre City South, seconded the motion and says the direction taken by the Presideny leader was a clear sign that he respects the rule of law.
“This is a good gesture by Dr Chakwera because he is following the law. How do one governs without
following the law so this demonstrates that he means it when he talks about transparency and accountability.
“The President is accountable not only to us legislators but also the entire nation,” said Lipipa.
