President Peter Mutharika’s appointment of Enoch Chihana as Second Vice-President has generated debate and expectations with some suggesting that it could enhance inclusiveness in the distribution of the national cake.
The Office of the President and Cabinet said in a statement yesterday that Chihana will be sworn-in today alongside three newly appointed Cabinet ministers and government officials at Mutharika’s private residence in Nyambadwe, Blantyre.
In an interview yesterday, Chihana said his tasks in the Presidency will be defined by Mutharika who holds the prerogative.
“It is the President’s prerogative and so the President is the one who is going to state my responsibilities to make sure those things are done,” he said.
Chihana said looking at the economy, the new administration will need to be focused and ensure availability of commodities such as fertiliser, fuel and maize.
The Alliance for Democracy (Aford) leader was appointed in line with Section 80(5) of the Constitution which empowers the President to appoint a Second Vice-President “where the President considers it desirable in the national interest so to do…”
He ruled out duplication of roles between his office and that of First Vice-President Jane Ansah, arguing that the “government is huge”.
On whether he could be a voice for the Northern Region in terms of lobbying for development, Chihana said he has always tried to avoid linking development to tribes or regions because Malawi should be seen as one.
“It is not only the North. We have other areas that have not received development. Yes, I come from the North, but development should be given because the North is a part of Malawi and deserves it,” he said.
However, he said road infrastructure in the North such as the Rumphi-Chitipa-Nthalire Road, Njakwa-Livingstonia Road, Edingeni and Usisya roads should be prioritized.
Reacting to the sentiments, electoral and identity politics expert Ernest Thindwa said in a written response yesterday that the Presidency responds perfectly to the search for inclusive governments, a key consideration in Malawian politics, noting that all three regions have been firmly represented.
He said: “There is hardly any doubt Chihana will be under public scrutiny particularly by northerners who historically hold the view that the region, in relative terms, has not benefited as much.
“The North will hope the presence of Chihana in that high office will, in theoretical terms, enhance attention to the region.”
On how best to cost-effectively run the office, Thindwa said cost is not the only variable that shapes constituting a Cabinet, noting that trade-offs between competing values, such as economic, social, and political, should be anticipated.
Political Science Association spokesperson Mavuto Bamusi said in a separate response that Chihana’s presence creates a sense of inclusion that government is ready to give equal attention to the neglected priorities of the North.
But political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche differed, saying Chihana does not create a sense of belonging or inclusion for Malawians in the Northern Region.
Coincidentally, the office of Second Vice-President was last occupied by the new appointee’s father, Chakufwa Chihana who served in that capacity during the Muluzi administration.
