MLS suspends nationwide demos
Malawi Law Society (MLS) has put on hold its planned nationwide demonstrations slated for today to give room to discussions with Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) and other stakeholders.
MLS last week announced its intention to take to the streets to hold accountable the Ministry of Justice for delays to table three draft Bills aimed at facilitating reforms in the Judiciary.
The society’s president Patrick Mpaka told journalists in Blantyre yesterday the decision to suspend the protests follows communication from OPC that it had finally received the draft Bills from Ministry of Justice for further processes.
He said OPC has further advised MLS that the Cabinet Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs was scheduled to meet today to consider the Bills with the hope that consideration will be accelerated for submission to Parliament before the end of the ongoing meeting.
Said Mpaka: “We have also considered the steps taken so far and the undertakings the OPC has taken on the matter and the time remaining between now and the rising of Parliament on 20th September 2024.”
For almost two years, MLS has been pushing for the enactment of the three draft Bills which include Judicial Service Administration Bill, 2024, Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Reacting to the development, Ministry of Justice spokesperson Frank Namangale appreciated MLS’ decision to put on hold their protests.
The proposal to hold demonstrations first surfaced in May this year during an advocacy meeting MLS had with its members to ensure the draft Bills are introduced in Parliament.
Among others, the Bills have provisions that would promote transparency and accountability in the appointment, execution of duties, transfer, discipline and removal of judicial officers.
