Chief Justice swears in 3 new MPs
Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda yesterday presided over the swearing-in of three new members of Parliament (MPs) with an appeal to them to adhere to the House’s procedures.
The head of the Judiciary said the new MPs should quickl y familiarise themselves with parliamentary procedures and standing orders to effectively contribute to debate and national development.
Nyirenda said: “While the Constitution will remain your roadmap, there will be statutes, rules and standing orders that govern this House that will form part of your working tools.
“It is imperative that you read all these documents and be familiar with them. In that way, you will confidently and effectively participate in the debate in the chamber as well as in committees of the House.”
He also reminded the new legislators that their presence in the House is solely as representatives of their constituencies and urged them to strive to meet the expectations.
Nyirenda said: “As parliamentarians, you are role models in our society. That responsibility must be reflected in your conduct in this august House as well as beyond.
“You will be expected to be selfless and empathetic. You will be expected to ensure that your representative capacity carries the voices and concerns of the voting public that ushered you here.”
The three MPs are Wachepa Phiri of Mzimba East (Alliance for Democracy), Joshua Malango of Dedza Central East (Malawi Congress Party-MCP) and Overstone Kondowe of Nkhotakota North East (MCP).
They triumphed in the October 26 by-elections in their constituencies.
In an interview, Malango agreed with Nyirenda on adherence to House procedures, adding that orientation has already begun.
“It is indeed important to know the standing orders and since I have just been sworn in, already we’re going through orientation to know more about them and we have been given copies to be read at our own time,” he said.
The by-elections were held to fill vacancies created by deaths of previous office bearers.
The Malawi Parliament has 193 seats.