In the Malawi Parliament, as is the case with all democratic parliaments across the globe, the ruling and the opposition sides of the aisle form the legislative arm of government.
In other words, all Members of Parliament elected to the August house, are part of a government.
In fact, this is why functional opposition results in functional and effective governments as was seen between 2004 and 2009 during the Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika reign at the helm of the country and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Thanks to a functioning opposition, Chitsulo cha Njanje, as Bingu was fondly called, delivered, leading to his overwhelming support at the 2009 ballot.
At that point, main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), under the stewardship of the late John Tembo, ensured that the government did only that which was for the people, a lesson his successor, the now State President Lazarus Chakwera, emulated.
Fast forward to 2024, the DPP, led in the House by Thyolo Thava MP, Mary Navicha, has decided to dump their role in government as the main opposition party, instead, the party has elected to take their intraparty fights on the floor.
The DPP is currently split between Navicha and Mulanje Central legislator Kondwani Nankhumwa for the role of Leader of Opposition, with Nankhumwa holding on to the keys at the mercy of the courts.
Recently, the Navicha led DPP in the house decided not to represent their electorate, refusing to respond to Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address, leaving the ruling with an open cheque – killing democracy in the process, as observed by commentators.
This DPP’s silence on the SONA, speaks volumes about their disregard for democratic norms and their duty to the people they claim to represent.
In an unprecedented move, the Navicha led DPP chose to abstain from commenting on the SONA, shirking her responsibility to engage in constructive dialogue on matters of national importance.
As Malawi witnessed between 2004 and 2009, opposition parties play a crucial role in providing checks and balance to the ruling party by scrutinizing government actions, ensuring they benefit the people.
Through questioning policies, they hold governments accountable, promoting transparency and accountability in governance, in the process.
The DPP’s refusal to engage in parliamentary proceedings and Navicha’s subsequent attempt to justify their filthy actions, was not only a gross derelict of duty, but also blatantly disregarded the democratic process.
By choosing to air their grievances through the media, outside the sanctity of the parliamentary chamber, the DPP demonstrated a complete lack of respect for the institution of Parliament and the rule of law.
No wonder, the United Democratic Front (UDF) – the DPP’s 2019 elections bed fellow – Leader in Parliament Ned Poya, condemned the disrespect shown towards the Speaker of Parliament by DPP lawmakers.
Beginning his response to the SONA, Poya says disrespect to the Speaker is disrespect to Parliament.
This unprecedented abdication of responsibility has sparked widespread condemnation from across the nation, with citizens taking to social media to express their dismay and outrage.
Many have rightly pointed out that as the major opposition party, the DPP should lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to upholding democratic principles and respecting the institutions that form the backbone of our democracy.
Some social media commentators have said, the timing of DPP’s refusal to comment on the SONA could not be more ill-judged.
At a time when Malawi is grappling with the devastating impact of natural disasters, climate change, and other global challenges, the need for robust and constructive debate in Parliament has never been greater.
Yet, by opting to remain silent, the DPP has effectively abandoned its duty to scrutinize government policies and propose alternative solutions to the pressing issues facing our nation.
Fortunately, the Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara, reminded the DPP MPs that their purported response to the SONA by the gates of parliament, is a joke that will not be documented in the Hansard.
So, in 2024, DPP will go down the memory lane as absent on the SONA, a first in over 30 years of Malawi’s democracy.
The consequences of the DPP’s refusal to engage in parliamentary debate cannot be overstated.
As history has shown, when opposition parties abdicate their responsibility to hold the government to account, it weakens the checks and balances that are essential for a healthy democracy.
Just as in Zimbabwe in 2023, where Zimbabwe’s main opposition party boycotted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s SONA, Speaker Jacob Mudenda said such actions reduced MPs’ influence and effectiveness in shaping legislation and policies.
There, the Speaker punished the errant MPs by, among others, reducing their transport and accommodation allowances.
While others look at the DPP’s action as just a missed opportunity; it is important to emphasize that it is a serious betrayal of trust bestowed on the MPs by their electorates – poor Malawians.
Time to rethink? Only Navicha may have the answer.
By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
