A growing standoff between the Executive and the Legislature is threatening to cast a shadow over Parliament’s crucial mid-year budget review meeting, raising concerns that political tensions could distract lawmakers from pressing national issues.
The dispute, which centres on Speaker of the National Assembly Sameer Suleman’s decision to establish ad hoc parliamentary committees to investigate issues affecting Malawians, has exposed deepening divisions between the two arms of government ahead of the November 11 to December 11 sitting.
Political leaders and governance experts have since called for restraint and dialogue, warning that a prolonged impasse could interfere with parliamentary business, including deliberations on budgetary adjustments and other key legislative matters.
United Democratic Front (UDF) chief whip Ismail Rizzq Mkumba said Parliament’s independence and oversight role must be protected.
He said the National Assembly has a constitutional duty to hold the Executive accountable, ensure transparency and promote prudent management of public resources.
Mkumba said these responsibilities should not be undermined by institutional disputes.
“It is important for the impasse to be resolved through dialogue in accordance with the Constitution and the law. The national interest and welfare of Malawians must take precedence over institutional or political differences.
“I believe the current situation could potentially affect parliamentary deliberations if it remains unresolved. However, all parties must demonstrate maturity and a willingness to find common ground to ensure parliamentary business proceeds without disruption,” he said.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) chief whip Moses Kunkuyu also expressed concern that the situation is widening divisions between the two arms of government.
He said while the standoff could affect proceedings during the upcoming session, the party would remain focused on serving Malawians rather than engaging in political drama.
“The integrity and independence of Parliament will be upheld,” said Kunkuyu.
UTM parliamentary leader Patricia Kaliati, however, described the dispute as an internal government matter that should be resolved through established leadership structures.
She expressed optimism that the exchanges between the two sides would not affect Parliament’s deliberations.
Deputy Leader of the House Shadric Namalomba said he was concerned that Parliament appeared to be in conflict with other arms of government.
Namalomba, who is also Minister of Information and government spokesperson, argued that Parliament’s powers are limited, particularly regarding the implementation of recommendations arising from oversight activities.
“What the Speaker is doing is to destroy other arms of government. From his previous press briefing, it was clear that he wants to fight other arms of government. I don’t think the Speaker can work in isolation. He should bring evidence that will help in the fight against corruption,” said Namalomba.
Centre for Multiparty Democracy executive director Bonface Chibwana warned that the standoff could undermine the interests of Malawians by affecting the smooth functioning of Parliament.
He noted that the mid-year budget review is a critical sitting during which government adjusts allocations in response to prevailing economic conditions.
“We have several issues that need funding through the mid-year budget review, including outstanding by-elections and other matters that require parliamentary attention. We hope the standoff will not affect business in the House,” said Chibwana.
University of Malawi law professor Garton Kamchedzera said the Executive and Legislature are mutually dependent and should work together in the interest of effective governance.
“The Executive needs the Speaker just as the Speaker needs the Executive. Government must channel Bills and other matters requiring parliamentary approval through the National Assembly. As long as the Speaker acts within the powers and authority of his office, the Executive must respect that authority.
“At the same time, it is in the interests of the Speaker, on behalf of the people of Malawi, to exercise oversight and ensure quality control over laws, policies and programmes formulated by the Executive,” he said.
Standing Order 47 of Parliament provides that, unless otherwise permitted, the business of the House shall proceed through prayers, general business, government business and private members’ business. The Standing Orders further state that government has the right to determine the order in which government business is placed on the Order Paper.
In August this year, Suleman established joint parliamentary committees to investigate 12 issues of public concern, including fuel supply, pensions, electricity, mining, passport services and prison conditions.
However, the move was challenged in court after Malawian citizen Austin Mkoka filed an application for judicial review.
The matter is expected to be heard next month.
