MCP forms shadow Cabinet
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has formed a shadow Cabinet in Parliament which conforms to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration style of a lean Cabinet.
The MCP shadow Cabinet announced in Parliament on Monday comprises 21 members with leader of opposition Lazarus Chakwera as president and head of the defence force, but he has no deputy president.
Joseph Njobvuyalema has been maintained as Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development in keeping with his party role as spokesperson on finance matters in Parliament while Peter Chakwantha, who chairs the Legal Affairs Committee, has been appointed shadow minister of Justice.
MCP deputy spokesperson Ezekiel Ching’oma heads Information, newcomer Rhino Chiphiko heads Transport while long-time legislator Vitus Dzoole Mwale has been tasked with Labour and his counterpart Willard Gwengwe will head Trade and Industry.
The MCP shadow Cabinet has three women, among them, Juliana Lunguzi for Health, Khumbize Chiponda for Foreign Affairs and Jessie Kabwila for Gender and Social Welfare.
The MCP shadow cabinet has three deputy ministers, Patrick Chilondola for Defence, Everson Makowa Mwale for Agriculture, Langton Nkhosa Kamwendo for Education and Alec Chitete for Civil Service.
In his response to the State of the Nation Address in June, Chakwera told the House that there was need to legislate the size of the Cabinet so it does not remain a campaign promise, which can be ignored once a party is in power.
