MPs’ absenteeism raises concerns
Absenteeism among legislators continues to be a matter of concern and this time Nkhata Bay Central member of Parliament (MP) Symon Vuwa Kaunda has proposed a roll call to address the situation.
When the roll call started, it emerged that at least 20 MPs walked in late, disrupting the proceedings and forcing Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara to halt the process.
The late arrivals caused a brief commotion in the chamber.
The Speaker struggled to restore order before announcing that the day’s proceedings would continue despite the late arrival of many MPs.
She said the day’s business continued because a majority of MPs were present, although she acknowledged that not all legislators were present due to approved absences or official Parliament business, including international travel.
Leader of United Democratic Front in Parliament Nedson Poya said his party has implemented measures to ensure consistent attendance of its MPs.
However, he conceded that there are always exceptions.
Said Poya: “We agreed that no member absconds without notifying the chief whip.
“In an event where a member is missing from Parliament the chief whip has the responsibility to follow-up on that member’s whereabouts.”
Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda declined to comment on the measures Malawi Congress Party has taken to enforce attendance.
He said the House was full today, implying that the issue was resolved for the day.
Meanwhile, Thyolo Central MP Ben Phiri (Democratic Progressive Party) raised concerns about Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda’s absence from Parliament on two consecutive Thursdays, particularly during Private Members’ Day.
He wondered whether it was appropriate for the minister, who was part of President Lazarus Chakwera’s delegation to China, to be absent during such important sessions.
But Chimwendo Banda justified the absence, saying that Chithyola Banda was attending to other important matters abroad.
The issue of MPs’ absenteeism has sparked widespread debate among lawmakers and the public. Some argue that it is a serious problem that undermines the credibility of Parliament while others contend that there are legitimate reasons for absences and that the focus should be on improving the efficiency of parliamentary proceedings.
