Malawi MP Ganda Re-Elected Budget Committee Chair for 4th Term
Ganda's repeated re-election to lead the committee is seen as a testament to her leadership abilities and the confidence her colleagues have in her stewardship of the committee's responsibilities.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Gladys Ganda, a member of Parliament representing Nsanje Lalanje constituency, has been re-elected as the Chairperson of Parliament's influential Budget and Finance Committee for an unprecedented fourth term, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
The committee elections were held on Thursday at the Parliament premises in Lilongwe, the capital.
Kamlupo Kalua, a lawmaker from Rumphi East, confirmed to AfricaBrief Online that Ganda secured a landslide victory from her fellow committee members.
"This is her fourth time to lead the committee," Kalua said.
Ganda's re-election was welcomed by her constituents in Nsanje Lalanje, with Senior Group Village Headman Nyang'a of Traditional Authority Mbenje describing it as a great honor for the area.
"If her fellow Members of Parliament have re-elected her for the fourth time, it clearly shows she is doing her duties as chair effectively," Nyang'a said.
"The votes of the communities in Nsanje Lalanje are truly representing them."
The Budget and Finance Committee plays a crucial role in scrutinizing government expenditure and revenue proposals, as well as overseeing the country's financial management.
Ganda's repeated re-election to lead the committee is seen as a testament to her leadership abilities and the confidence her colleagues have in her stewardship of the committee's responsibilities.
However, some critics have expressed concerns about the concentration of power and the potential for complacency when a single individual holds a key position for an extended period.
Ganda is yet to publicly comment on her re-election, but her supporters praise her as a dedicated and effective legislator who has consistently advocated for fiscal prudence and accountability in the management of public resources.
As she begins her fourth term as Budget Committee Chairperson, Ganda will face the challenging task of navigating Malawi's economic landscape, which has been characterized by rising debt levels, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.