Youth and Society (YAS) has written Parliament appealing for formal recognition of the Parliamentary Youth Caucus by granting it a committee status within the National Assembly’s set up.
In a letter dated November 8 addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly Sameer Suleman, YAS executive director Charles Kajoloweka said strengthening youth voices in Parliament is key to deepening democracy and realising the constitutional principles of participation, representation, and inclusivity.
He said that despite its important role, the Youth Caucus remains informal within the Parliament structure, which constrains its visibility and effectiveness.
Said Kajoloweka: “The caucus serves as a platform for young members of Parliament to champion youth interests, strengthen leadership capacity, and link parliamentary work with the broader aspirations of Malawian youth.
“Without formal recognition, the caucus cannot table reports or recommendations directly to Parliament, and it lacks access to budgetary resources. It must rely on external support for even its most basic operations, leaving it largely symbolic rather than strategic.”
He said formal recognition would not simply address administrative inefficiencies, but would also affirm Parliament’s commitment to a democratic system that values young people as active participants, innovators, and partners in national development.
Suleman yesterday said he was yet to get the letter, but assured that Parliament will look into the concerns of the youth.
He acknowledged that the concerns are genuine, adding that the youth being the majority of the population need to be represented at all levels.
“Of course, it is not a one-man’s job but I will personally support that to ensure that the youth are properly represented and their voices are heard. I will make sure that we start the process of recognising the caucus as soon as we get the letter,” said Suleman.
In the 2025-2030 National Youth manifesto, among other things, the youth are seeking increased youth participation in decision-making processes and inclusion in leadership positions.
At the moment, Parliament structures only recognise the Women’s Caucus as a formal committee.
