Folks, two things this week reminded us where Malawi’s politics stands and how power is fast tilting toward the DPP.
Yesterday, President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) officially opened the 52nd Session of Parliament, marking the start of the 2025/2026 Mid-Term Budget Review and the first sitting of the newly sworn-in Members of Parliament (MPs).
Speaking for the first time since his September 16 landslide election victory, he acknowledged Malawi’s persistent challenges, from economic instability to weak governance. He also outlined priorities to revive growth, accelerate infrastructure development and restore public service efficiency, among others. We will unpack all that next week, but first things first.
On Wednesday, the MPs elected Sameer Suleman (DPP) as Speaker, replacing Catherine Gotani Hara (MCP), who had led Parliament since 2019. Suleman defeated MCP’s Peter Dimba by 134 to 85, and the deputy posts almost followed the same blue wave with Victor Musowa (DPP) winning as First Deputy Speaker with another landslide, while Esther Jolobala (Machinga East) secured the Second Deputy Speaker position.
Forget about those two other DPP contenders for Speaker who failed to give themselves even a single vote. Their mission was never to win and they were carefully deployed to trap and edge out one Kondwani Nankhumwa. Period!
Suleman’s ascension to the Speaker’s chair carries far more than political symbolism. This man did not climb to his high seat through noise or blind loyalty. He got there through grit, discipline, perseverance and results. I actually forgot how many times Standing Order 105 was invoked against him in Parliament between 2019 and 2025 for alleged defiance, disorderly conduct or fiery outbursts. Also forget about his ‘short temper’, but each time Suleman returned to the House, he came back stronger, sharper and even more determined with recharged but restrained defiance.
So, if you asked me, I would say that Suleman embodies a rare balance between partisan loyalty and integrity. He has been loyal to both APM and DPP, but above all, he remained firm, fair, fearless and loyal to Malawi first. This is precisely why I say he represents what the Speakership should stand for.
I cannot finish this entry without commenting on another key highlight of Wednesday’s election in Parliament. Clerk of Parliament Fiona Kalemba ruled Nankhumwa out of the race on a technicality because he submitted his papers late after four other aspirants while Parliamentary Standing Orders allow only four nominations.
The rest is history, but Nankhumwa knows the political sins he committed against the DPP. That should be the genesis of all that drama. At some point had and others practically seized the DPP by the throat, leaving APM and other NGC members nearly powerless. No wonder there was a loud celebration on the government benches in Parliament after news of Nankhumwa’s disqualification. Sweet, sweet revenge for DPP.
But that is besides my point. Just like we warned MCP all these years, I also have a simple reminder to DPP. That very same power you hold now was in your hands back in 2009. Then, you turned your strength into arrogance, laws were rammed through without scrutiny, opposition voices were silenced, committees were packed with party loyalists and dissent became a sin. Malawians learned the hard way that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
As I congratulate Hon. Suleman and others for winning the parliamentary Speakership this week, I also hope that DPP has put in place the right people and robust policies to check any deviations or reversals both inside and outside Parliament.
As for MCP, Malawians have moved on and now the onus is on the party to reconnect with the people, rebuild trust and rediscover purpose because politics is not just about holding power. It is also about staying useful to people when power slips away.
To the MPs, Parliament is not a place for praise-singing. It is an arena of debate, oversight and the guardian of public accountability.
You were elected to think, scrutinise and question. So think! Feedback: 08 82 167 309, WhatsApp and SMS only
