CHRR Slams MP's Call for Life Presidency as Threat to Democracy
The CHRR urged politicians to focus on issues of national development rather than undemocratic maneuvers as the 2025 campaign period nears.
LILONGWE, Malawi— A leading human rights group has strongly condemned a Malawi Congress Party lawmaker's proposal that President Lazarus Chakwera should be allowed to rule for life, labeling it a dangerous threat to the country's democracy, writes Winston Mwale.
The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) said the remarks made by Member of Parliament Esther Cecilia Kathumba of the Malawi Congress Party promoting a lifetime presidency for Chakwera go against constitutional principles.
"We sadly learn that the honorable member of parliament made these remarks owing to what she calls President Chakwera's 'transformative leadership style'," said CHRR Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa in a statement Thursday.
"CHRR strongly condemns such remarks, especially coming from someone who is a lawmaker and should be well-versed with the country's laws."
Kathumba, who represents Lilongwe Mapuyu South, made the controversial proposal last Thursday as Chakwera launched the $350 million Millennium Challenge Corporation's Malawi Transport and Land Compact at Mzonde ground in her area.
She said she would push fellow MPs to change laws and allow Chakwera to be "life president" due to his leadership.
However, the MCP swiftly distanced itself from Kathumba's stance. Party Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka told supporters at a rally after the compact launch that Chakwera respects the law and national constitution, and "will not go beyond 2030" when his possible second term expires.
Addressing the same event, Chakwera said that while the law allows a second term, he would only contest the 2025 elections if endorsed by the party's upcoming convention in August.
He emphasized the party must allow all interested candidates to contest the top position democratically.
The CHRR urged politicians to focus on issues of national development rather than undemocratic maneuvers as the 2025 campaign period nears.
"Proposing lifetime presidency does not only go against the fundamental principles of democracy...but also has potential of destabilizing the political landscape," Kaiyatsa said, reminding Malawians voted for multiparty democracy in 1994 to prevent dictatorships.
The controversy comes as Malawi launched the MCC compact to construct major agricultural transport corridors and enact land reforms over five years with the aim of boosting economic growth and food security.