Parliament has rejected the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) application to have some members of the House’s seats decrared vacant.
Using Section 65 of the country’s constitution, the party wanted Chitipa South legislator Werani Chilenga’s seat declared vacant for dumping DPP and joing the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Others like Joyce Chitsulo, Benedicto Chambo and Owen Chomanika are being accused of being part of the cabinet.
Section 65 of the Republican Constitution gives the Speaker of Parliament the power to declare vacant the seat of an MP who crosses the floor by joining another party other than that which they belonged to at the time of election.
Speaking to Zodiac Online, Spokesperson for Parliament, Ian Mwenye said the request by DPP lacked evidence to substantiate the allegations presented to the Speaker’s office.
However, the DPP’s Director of Legal Affairs, Chipiliro Mpinganjira, stated that Parliament’s decision was expected as the speaker is compromised.
Chilenga was officially welcomed to the MCP at an event hosted by the party’s secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda in Nthalire-Chitipa.
