Opposition Parties engage UNDP, NRB on Elections Manipulation

As mid-year budget review meeting has ended today leader of opposition has said they are engaging UNDP and National Registration Bureau NRB to avoid manipulation of the forth coming elections

In his closing remarks Dr George Chaponda said the opposition approached UNDP after parliament downplayed the matter using tax payers’ money

Chaponda says any attempt to manipulate electoral process in favour of any stakeholder will erode the trust that holds the nation together

He has asked President Lazarus Chakwera not to ascent to the bills that have been passed such as liquid fuel and gas production and supply bill and insurance because they need further scrutiny

The opposition leader says MEC’s reluctance to address its concerns openly undermines public confidence in their ability to conduct free fair and credible elections

According to Chaponda there are reports of non-transparent activities at MEC and NRB although the two institutions are meant to be impartial guardians of democratic process

He said Chakwera failed to demonstrate true leadership when he appeared in parliament by blaming external shocks instead of accepting his administration failures

Chaponda said the outside parliament session lacked some elements that would have made it a truly inclusive and engaging activity to the people

The opposition lamented NRB’s handling of registration data raises serious question about its commitment to fairness

On his part leader of the house Richard Chimwendo said was happy that parliament passed critical bills but rejected the statement by leader of opposition that government breached the rules on tabling of the bills

Before the closure of parliament, national assembly passed two bills on operations of the judiciary known as Judicial Service administrative bill and courts amendment bill

According to Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo the bills are expected to facilitate effective operation of Judiciary and ensure justice is delivered to all Malawians

Both spokespersons of Democratic Progressive Party DPP and United Democratic Front UDF supported the bill

Standing on point of order Member of Parliament for Blantyre City South East Sameer Suleman told the speaker that his life is at danger because some supporters of MCP had entered the chamber to deal with him and other opposition parliamentarians

But Catherine Gotani Hara assured Suleman that he will not be attacked because is protected