Two former Speakers of the Malawi National Assembly, Louis Chimango and Henry Chimunthu Banda, have called on the incoming Speaker— due to be elected on Wednesday—to uphold the principle of independence in presiding over parliamentary affairs.
Following a week-long orientation, members of Parliament (MPs) will be sworn in on Monday and Tuesday, ahead of the election of a new Speaker.
The successful candidate will assume the ceremonial Mace, a symbol of the Speaker’s authority and the dignity of the National Assembly, and oversee proceedings in the Legislature, one of the three arms of government alongside the Executive and Judiciary.
Contenders for the post include Sameer Suleman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Kondwani Nankhumwa and George Katunga Million, the winning candidate for the Phalombe Machemba constituency (Independent).
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is also weighing its options, with party spokesperson Jessie Kabwila confirming yesterday that Sam Kawale (Dowa North East) and Peter Dimba (Lilongwe Phirilanjuzi) have expressed interest to contest under the MCP banner.
In an interview yesterday, Chimango, who served as Speak from 2005 to 2009, succeeding the late Rodwell Munyenyembe, emphasised the constitutional imperative of impartiality.
“The Speaker’s office is a constitutional one and it demands independence,” he said, emphasizing: “Presiding over the law-making body calls for you to act for the good of the House and according to the will of Malawians, in spite of your political affiliation.”
Chimunthu Banda, who held the Speaker’s post from 2009 to 2014 during the presidencies of Bingu wa Mutharika and Joyce Banda, echoed Chimango’s sentiments, warning that balancing party expectations with parliamentary rules is a delicate task.
“Sometimes, the Government side may push for its interests over House rules. However, the Speaker must act as a non-partisan arbiter, enforce rules impartially, even if it displeases their party,” he said, adding: “This may ruffle feathers, but the Speaker must always consider the legacy they wish to leave.”
Chimunthu Banda noted that while Malawi’s Constitution and parliamentary Standing Orders do not stipulate formal qualifications for the Speakership, legal knowledge is useful but not essential.
“Parliamentary experience is key—years in the House and holding leadership roles confer the status of primus inter pares, first among equals,” he said.
Socio-political commentator Undule Mwakasungula joined the chorus, stressing the need for a Speaker who is mature and attuned to Malawi’s political dynamics.
“Parliament being the heart of democracy, the Speaker’s impartiality will be key in the next five years. Most importantly, they must encourage debates on laws that tackle hardships Malawians are facing,” he said.
Kabwila confirmed that internal party processes are underway to select the MCP’s candidate.
“We will not miss deadlines. We will deliver as expected. Let us wait for the party president to do his job of choosing the best person,” she said, citing the party’s history of competent Speakers, including Richard Msowoya (2014–2019) and Catherine Gotani Hara (2019–2025).
In an interview yesterday, Million said being an independent parliamentrian is evidence that he will be impartial and non-partisan.
“It will be a grave mistake if they don’t elect me as a Speaker. Out of all the other contenders, I am the best suited for the position. You know, partiality starts from the party. I will be the best referee as I will be getting no orders from any party,” said Million.
Known for frequent reprimands and banishments for unparliamentary behaviour, Suleman who was elected to represent the Blantyre City Chigumula BCA-Club Banana, yesterday pledged to be level-headed should he be elected as a Speaker. He said his past militant behaviour was strategic, not personal.
“That position demands impartiality and fairness to all members of the House. Having been in the House for six years, I understand how it feels when you are not treated fairly or with the same respect as others.
“I have gone through it myself…. Every person should know when and how to control himself. That is a different level of politics; that seat demands you to be calm and fair to everyone,” he explained.
Suleman further said that governed by his anointment for the position by President Peter Mutharika, he will thrive for impartiality.
“The President has made it clear that I must work with everyone for the good of Malawi. I intend to lead a Parliament where all sides are treated fairly and the focus is on oversight and accountability. We will ensure that government follows the law and fights corruption effectively,” he said.
On his part, Nankhumwa yesterday pledged to uphold the Constitution and serve with impartiality.
“As the sole MP for the newly-formed PDP, I am uniquely positioned to embody this impartiality,” he said.
“Without a political majority to defend or a partisan agenda to promote, I am free to uphold the rules of the House and protect the rights of all members.”
