Parliament rejects 50 plus 1 system in parliamentary, local government elections

Law expert has faulted members of parliament for advancing their personal interest through amending the 50+1 law to first past the post.

Yesterday in parliament, members agreed to amend the law as they voted that only presidential candidates should be elected using 50+1 while members of parliament should use the first past the post system.

Reacting to this development, law expert Osman Kennedy said though members of parliament have the mandate to make or change the constitution, both opposition and ruling party parliamentarians have connived to advance their interest on the expense of the ordinary Malawians.

“This is just the same as what parliamentarians did with the recall provision act which gave power to people to recall their MP if they haven’t delivered their promises,” Kennedy said

Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo who presented the bill in the national assembly said it would be costly

Commenting DPP spokesperson on legal Affairs Bright Msaka said Malawi electoral commission might be confused in the interpretation of the law Cue in Cue out Bright Msaka DPP spokesperson on legal affairs speaking to Hawa Juma