Constituents call for referendum on Section 64

Nkhotakota Central constituents have reignited debate on whether the country should hold a referendum on Section 64 of the Constitution which was repealed in 1995.

In its original state, the section empowered the electorate to recall legislators for underperformance.

The call was made on Friday at a meeting organised by Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM).

The constituents argued that if reinstated, the law would restore financial prudence in the management of public funds.

They said despite having other mechanisms aimed at holding duty-bearers accountable, some members of Parliament (MPs) still misuse public resources, thereby retarding development.

But reacting to the proposal, Nkhotakota Central MP Peter Mazizi (Malawi Congress Party-MCP) feared that the reintroduction of the provision would lead to abuse.

“Perhaps, people are looking at the way MPs are performing. It is our behaviour and performance that are making people demand that Section 64 should be brought back.

“Some of us have left our constituencies after being elected. So, people feel betrayed as they have nowhere to take their concerns,” he said.

Commenting on the issue, EAM district coordinator Ruth Chimalizeni said she was impressed with the constituents as they were able to articulate issues that affect them.  n