Kondwani Nankhumwa, Member of Parliament for Mulanje Central Constituency and sole representative of the People’s Development Party (PDP), has announced his intention to contest for the position of Speaker of the National Assembly when Parliament convenes on October 29, following the September 16, 2025 general election. Our Correspondent WISDOM CHIROMBO sat down with Nankhumwa to discuss his motivation, vision, and preparedness for the role.
Q Honourable Nankhumwa, your political party, the PDP, has one seat in Parliament — your own. What gives you the courage to contest for the position of Speaker against parties that have significant numerical strength?
A You are absolutely right — in terms of numerical strength, the PDP lacks numbers in Parliament. But to look at my candidature from only a numerical perspective is to be overly simplistic. I am contesting not as a party leader, but as a parliamentarian with over 15 years of parliamentary and ministerial experience. My record speaks for itself. What matters most is trust — and I trust that my colleagues across the political divide know that I am a unifier who can preside over Parliament with balance and fairness.
I believe we are in a new era; our Parliament has evolved to a point where members now put the interests of their constituents above all else. This election is about parliamentarians exercising their discretion with the national interest in mind.
Q President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, in his capacity as President of DPP, has nominated Honourable Sameer Suleman as candidate for Speaker. Are you not afraid of going against wishes of the Head of State?
A I have great respect for Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika — both as Head of State and as someone I have worked closely with for many years. I regard him as a father and mentor. Much of what I know in politics, I learned from him. I drank from his well of wisdom, and one of his greatest lessons was that a true mentee makes his mentor proud by living out the values he was taught.
From APM, I learned empathy, teamwork, and mutual respect — and those values guide me today. My decision to contest is not an act of defiance, but a demonstration of those very principles. It is about strengthening democracy, not undermining it.
Democracy thrives on choice, and Parliament is an independent institution.
Q How would you describe your current relationship with Professor Mutharika after the election?
A My relationship with Professor Mutharika is very good — in fact, it has never been better. The trouble with many people is that they often assume that when a son makes independent decisions, it means he has rebelled against his father. That is not the case between APM and me. He remains my political father, my mentor, and someone from whom I learned the discipline of leadership, empathy, and service.
There is an African proverb that says, “A child may grow taller than the parent, but never higher than the parent’s wisdom.” I deeply respect Professor Mutharika’s wisdom and the values he instilled in me.
Q What do you think qualifies you for the role of Speaker of Parliament?
A To serve as Speaker of the National Assembly, one must be above board — impartial, experienced, and capable of commanding respect across the political divide. I believe I bring all these qualities and more.
Over the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of serving both in the government and in opposition, gaining a 360-degree understanding of how Parliament operates. I have served as Deputy Leader of the House, Leader of the House, and later as Leader of Opposition — roles that demand balance, patience, and strong leadership. I have also held several ministerial portfolios, including Information, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Local Government. Each of these roles has strengthened my grasp of governance, diplomacy, and public policy, while deepening my appreciation for the importance of consensus and institutional integrity.
Above all, my academic background — a PhD in Diplomacy and International Relations — has equipped me with the skills of negotiation, dialogue, and conflict resolution. These are essential attributes for any Speaker who must manage a diverse and often polarized House. I believe that Parliament should be a place of order, decorum, and cooperation — and I am prepared to ensure that it remains exactly that.
Q When you were Leader of Opposition, some MPs — especially from your former party, the DPP — accused you of being too soft on the former MCP government. How do you think this perception might affect your candidacy?
A I don’t think being fair and objective should ever be mistaken for weakness. Leadership is not about shouting the loudest; it is about listening, reasoning, and guiding with wisdom. As Leader of Opposition, my approach was to criticize constructively and support progressive policies where necessary — because opposition should never mean obstruction.
Q What is your vision for Parliament if elected as Speaker?
A My vision is to restore Parliament’s integrity as a true House of the People — a place where national interests rise above political divisions. I want to see a Parliament that functions with efficiency, order, and mutual respect; where debate is about ideas; and where every voice, regardless of political affiliation, is valued.
If elected, I will champion reforms to strengthen the institutional independence of Parliament and improve the welfare of Members of Parliament so they can serve their constituents with dignity and focus. I will also prioritize modernization — integrating digital tools, strengthening research and analysis support, and ensuring that our legislative work keeps pace with a fast-changing world.
