50+1 bill to be tabled in parliament, extended to affect MPs, Councillors

Dec 11, 2017 Malawi24 Reporter Politics 102

As unrest over the much talked about 50+1 electoral bill, cabinet has made a key alteration to the initial proposition that it affects the presidency post alone.

The alteration is now that the bill will also concern voting of lawmakers and ward councilors.

In April this year, a Special Law Commission had advised that Malawi needs to adopt a 50+1 vote law that will see the country receding from the winner-takes-it-all scenario of electing the president.

The debate has skyrocketed lately as the 2019 polls near. The failure by government to take the bill and other electoral laws has since resulted into organizations planning a demonstration this week.

However, the local media has been awash with reports that cabinet was in talks meant to see to it that the bill gets to parliament.

A circulating image document shows that the cabinet sitting wants the bill’s traits applicable to Members of Parliament and Ward Councillors.

It is reported that the bill is slated to be taken to parliament tomorrow- a day before the demos.

Analysts however say that the cabinet resolved to land this agreement so that lawmakers in parliament should not approve the bill.

The Peter Mutharika led government is being accused of shying away from the bill.

With the new system, the winning president will have to amass at least 50+1 percent of the national vote.

In the previous elections, Malawi had been using the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) or winner-takes-all system to elect presidents, Members of Parliament (MPs) and ward councillors.

In the run-off system, if no candidate reaches the required rate during the first poll, a run-off will have to be held in which two presidential candidates who obtained the highest and second highest number of valid votes cast should be the only candidates.

For this to be adopted, Parliament needs to amend Section 80 (2) of the Constitution and Section 96 (5) of the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections (PPE) Act to provide change of the electoral system to the 50+1 threshold.

Mathews Lipenga Boy Magola says:

14/12/2017 at 13:45

Carry on MPs dont consider about yourself think of those who made you to in the parliament
Geoffrey Issa says:

12/12/2017 at 13:41

Why target president only as if mp does not represent people or are not elected thru elections.
Emmanuel Thom says:

12/12/2017 at 06:57

Am crying for my mother country Malawi, what is wrong with you, what is wrong with the current system, why are you targeting the sitting President than considering the future of our beloved country.
Teeyah Judy Masiku says:

12/12/2017 at 06:26

I hear Zambia has this bill
Rasheed Coolest Jonas says:

12/12/2017 at 05:45

Kodi fifty plus one imeneyi imatanthauza chani
Dereck Jassi says:

12/12/2017 at 05:30

Ndanva manong’onong’o akuti Demo yalepheleka.
Isaiah Hajapi Nyakuleha says:

12/12/2017 at 05:19

Muptise bill yoti boma should borow money akatenge magesi ku mocambique kukabalabasa sizazi zanumukupanga zo mabili amenewo akatheka nde magesi asiya kuzima? Amalawi tiyen tiziganiza mozama
Zephania Jamu says:

12/12/2017 at 04:49

The President ,MPs and councillors earn their salaries coz of tax payed by us, so let them all be affected hahahahah game ya makosana iyi .
Innocent Maneya says:

12/12/2017 at 04:17

the fqct is the rulling is afraid ov it
Hestings Banda says:

12/12/2017 at 03:20

Equal rights and justice.
Alfred Khama Bonongwe says:

12/12/2017 at 03:10

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. sounds so funny.
Bruce Lyson says:

12/12/2017 at 02:01

Good move govt tione ngat idutse pac shame!!! pangan masamu ena.
Dominic Lapukeni says:

12/12/2017 at 01:45

Kukhuta.Chikhala kuti ali ndi njala akanapita kozizunzako?
Mayamiko Zoze says:

11/12/2017 at 22:54

mwazionatu ma mp ndiye mutani pano? but its good idea. they should also be voted by majority
Waka Suma says:

11/12/2017 at 19:29

Mafias have finally alternated the bill
Arther Arthur says:

11/12/2017 at 19:05

The must pass a bill too that voters must be paid the month that we have cast votes, ku vote ndi ntchito yotopetsa
Mangani Steve Nyau King says:

11/12/2017 at 18:36

kkkkkkkk a pac ndi a opposition apsya mtima,ndizimene amafuna.tiye nayoni 50+1 kkkkkkk
Ziyada Dida says:

11/12/2017 at 18:11

Mupite kaya musapite ku Musewoko palibe chosintha ndipo akuti kukhalatu chimvulatu kaya izo ife zathu pheeeee mu office.
Francisco Jailosi says:

11/12/2017 at 17:27

tiyeni tivine apa ndiye ziri boh 50+ 1 for all
Patrick Tsakalaka says:

11/12/2017 at 17:10

LET THE REFORMS INDEED AFFECT MPS AS WELL AS COUNCILLORS WHY PAC is only targeting the President, I totally support the move by government
Kingstone Bush says:

11/12/2017 at 16:58

izi ndiye za zie!Mubwele kwathu ndizakuuzeni!
Nanlala Collins says:

11/12/2017 at 15:36

Extended To What? Kkk Now I Can see Opposition Parties Who Were Forcing It Saying 50plus Is Now Irrelevant Kkkkk Coz Only Few Mps In Malawi Can Manage To Get 50plus Votes, The Likes Of Kaliat And The Rest Mmmm Mbola
1. Thomas Phaedrus Mumbo says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 20:39
  
  They are hypocrites! I don’t know in any sane sense anyone can expect 50+1 only one elected office and not others. Their true colors are finally showing!
2. Nanlala Collins says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 10:46
  
  Exactly Bro
Benard Kamfumu says:

11/12/2017 at 15:34

Ma MP ivotereni ndikupatsani juju kuti muzipambana ndi 50+1
Thomas Phaedrus Mumbo says:

11/12/2017 at 15:16

What about recall? We the voters need the ability to get rid of MPs that no longer stand for what we elected them for and the dead wood sitting just phwii in parliament.
Mwiza Munthali says:

11/12/2017 at 14:50

Kkkkkk….DPP is playing its cards well.
Kwesi Chigwe Chef says:

11/12/2017 at 13:58

Komabe ku ma Demo tipita paka iduse
Mayeso Victor Mbawah says:

11/12/2017 at 13:53

Abusa a pac inu, kumwamba mwapititsa anthu akwana kale???? Ofuna kumatchisawa mukufuna akapse zooooonaaaa????????
1. Leah Nyangulu Phiri says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 03:31
  
  Do are u trying to mean kuti kuli lose komwe amapanga ma Demo ndi akulu gehena brother?l just want to learn from u
2. Mayeso Victor Mbawah says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 06:28
  
  Okey!!!!
Gentely Mpinganjira says:

11/12/2017 at 13:31

za 50 plus zanuzo ine sizikundikhuza, mungolimbana za ziiiii dziko silikuyenda uku. mukamatche zithu za ziiiii, pac guys ikupusisa anthu. yofoila. atiuze tikamatche za nzeru ife,
Javas Prince says:

11/12/2017 at 13:20

What is this 50+1 ndatayikapo apa plz can sm1 explain
Juliet Nyamkandawire says:

11/12/2017 at 12:51

Good Government addition
Emmanuel Gomani says:

11/12/2017 at 12:42

Bravo PAC
Bebina Mtumbuka says:

11/12/2017 at 12:38

Paja timaifuna 50+1 iduse ndithu
Winford Kalitsiro says:

11/12/2017 at 12:28

This only affects the presidents and not MPs and councillors I wonder why this category of people is also affected was this suggested by the law commission of Malawi am here to be schooled
1. Phozongo Phozongo says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 18:58
  
  law commission just recommend but the final bill comes from the executive and its unquestionable.Mpz have a duty to pass the bill or not.asking for what law commission recommended is non starter.non cooked food. its cooked at cabinet level.wisdom will kill me
Mac Donald Kazingatchire says:

11/12/2017 at 12:25

Wastage Of Money The Poor Country Re Erect Dziko Losauka Ngati Ili!Out Of Sixty Parties In Malawi.Eee 50+1 Librelia Kenya Apindula Chani?Moti Ndalama Zimenezo Mupangire Zina.Kulira Basi.
Bernard Bunnett says:

11/12/2017 at 11:50

it agree it now! poor governance! boma lachibwanabwana!
Phaskani Chibwana Ndhlovu says:

11/12/2017 at 11:39

Mwazolowera Kuba Mavoti Agalu Inu Mwakemba Mu Madzi
Ben Nsapato says:

11/12/2017 at 11:39

Its good everybody including the MP should win based on 50+1 reformed electoral law
1. Godfrey Pembe says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 11:59
  
  Hahahahahahahahah Mitu yakumana.
2. Masautso Bizalomu says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 18:05
  
  Hahahahaha a chukulungwa.
Enock Nyirongo says:

11/12/2017 at 11:38

Indee!
Joyce Banda says:

11/12/2017 at 11:37

Govt deliberately edited the PAC originated proposal that only president should be loved and voted by majority, the one to be tabled not the same watc out!
1. Horace Kakhiwa says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 01:12
  
  Any bill is prepared by government and for your own information government has just done within its mandate and its acceptable by the constitution.
2. Joyce Banda says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 05:46
  
  Wowina Mulungu waloza kale 50+1 or not!
3. Clement Wokondeledwa Sellenje says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 09:25
  
  then why crying for 50+1 ngati Mulungu waloza kale?
4. Joyce Banda says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 10:21
  
  To avoid votegate
Phozongo Phozongo says:

11/12/2017 at 11:30

lets the drama begin.legislatures voting on this ? divide and rule.ha ha ha .parliament removed section 64 on recall provision.let see if they will vote on 50+1 on themselves, the incumbent MPz.thats why most of us said let politics and running of government be left to politicians and churches to men of God.look now a scenario where members will not affliate to a party stand.two terms as member of parliament kkkkkk who will vote yes.my question to you bill pushers : what if mpz shoot this bill down then what will you do? enacting this into law at your synod and dioceses. what the mpz will do will be lawful and representation of constituences view.count lawyers in the cabinet :the president himself, bright msaka, tembenu, attorney general is part of cabinet forum then you expected to win the chess.
1. Joyce Banda says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 11:52
  
  But if the proposal has been edited for their beneft then it might be David and Absalome war and Jehova will fight for one side.Jehova deliberately sent Husai to oppose Ahitoferi’s wise advise so that Absalome should not fight the father(1 sam 17)
2. Gift Wasili says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 13:15
  
  Kkkkkkk,
3. Sothini Banda says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 15:09
  
  Za ziii
4. Chicco Mwitha says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 16:49
  
  Azibusa a PAC yayo ndi yoloweza ma versi basi, yohane 1:8 “mau apantima” kkk. that reminds me of the bibilical laywers who asked Jesus about the ceacer’s image on the roman coin.
5. Mangani Steve Nyau King says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 18:38
  
  kkkkkkkk a pac wooooo! hahahaha ma mpkkkkkk
6. Phozongo Phozongo says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 18:52
  
  phozongo is a big brain. 7000 likes in my inbox
Bernard Lawrence Nyirenda says:

11/12/2017 at 11:29

I think federal system of government was needed why are you putting the bill in this way so that it shouldn’t pass you accept now because you know many are in your side
1. Phozongo Phozongo says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 11:39
  
  this is what happens when you press an alert button to your adversary. this bill could have been tabled but the opposition seemed in a hurry, the churches seemed interested in the bill.then government was surprised and it strategised .politics is like playing chess.
Phozongo Phozongo says:

11/12/2017 at 11:23

lets the drama begins.legislatures voting on this ? divide and rule.ha ha ha .parliament removed section 64 on recall provision.let see if they will vote on 50+1 on themselves, the incumbent MPz.thats why most of us said let politics and running of government be left to politicians and churches to men of God.look now a scenario where members will not affliate
George Mathematician Lyton says:

11/12/2017 at 11:18

A pa ndi pomwe a nyapapi a PAC aziwire kuti boma ndi boma sungasewere nayo. The President himself is a lawyer… Tione ngati ingadutse..
1. Joyce Banda says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 12:05
  
  Alipo mmodzi yekha amene akusankhidwa ndi Mulungu ndipo ameneyo adzawina basi mopanda kubera
2. Joana Mphiya Mphiya says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 13:03
  
  Kkk apa ndiye a PAC ayalukatu,shame
3. Isaiah Hajapi Nyakuleha says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 05:22
  
  PAC iyakuka kumene koz azitengera pam’gong’o
4. Isaiah Hajapi Nyakuleha says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 05:22
  
  PAC iyakuka kumene koz azitengera pam’gong’o
Ramznax Ramsey says:

11/12/2017 at 11:18

5-1
Martin Banda says:

11/12/2017 at 11:10

Amati atani
Godfrey Pembe says:

11/12/2017 at 11:03

DPP boma iloooooooooooooo
Godfrey Pembe says:

11/12/2017 at 11:01

Pliz akuluakulu dont be panic with the demos. Let them go to the streets, akayende mpaka mapazi kutupa. Akatopa azabwerera mmakuka mwawo ena nakapeza ana akulira ndi njala.
Fatsan Banana says:

11/12/2017 at 11:00

KOMA KUMSEU TIKUPITA BASI. VUTO NDIRAKUTI TIKAPANDA KUPITA UJAIRA KUPANGA ZINTHU ZOPUSAZO.
Samuel Lwara says:

11/12/2017 at 10:55

It looks like PAC has more wisdom than government..
1. Joyce Banda says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 12:11
  
  Sure!they are sent by lawyer of lawyers JESUS!
William Fly says:

11/12/2017 at 10:49

kaya ine ndilibe nazo nchito ndimagwira nchito ndi manja anga ndizi limbani nazo ngati manja ndilibe ogwira nawo nchito ayi
1. Lastn Muruma says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 11:31
  
  Wayankhula zoona bro osamalimbana ndi zina zingakubweretsere mavuto pachabe, tsono limbikila zomwe ukuchita ndi manja akowo ndidzomwe zingakubweretsere ndalama.
Brave Nkhoma says:

11/12/2017 at 10:33

Apa ndiye zivuta 50+1 president , mp and councillor? bill imeney singaduse or zitavuta chotani.
1. Godfrey Pembe says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 11:02
  
  Paja mukuifunatu abwana
Thom Freshmans Muyande says:

11/12/2017 at 10:27

stupid thing so do thing the mps will agree to pass it???we a nut economically stable sitingathee
1. Godfrey Pembe says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 11:03
  
  Hahahahaha . Dpp boma iloooooo
2. Christopher Madalitso Nyirenda says:
  
  12/12/2017 at 01:18
  
  LETS WAIT N SEE, WHY 50 PLUS 1 AFECTING MPS N COUNCILORS? TRY TO DENT ASMART BILL SO THAT THEIVES CONTINUE ENJOYING OUT SIDE PRISONS WITH OUR TAXES ! SHAME.
Man Hercules Mtondoe says:

11/12/2017 at 10:11

only 2 days to go!! i cant wait ready to participate… i will take my Machete incase of emmegency
1. Godfrey Pembe says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 11:05
  
  Tangokhalani inu. Muzazunzitsa nazo banja lanu izi
2. Yohan Yamikani Chingwalu says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 14:12
  
  ine ndiwa catholic koma sindizapita ndizapita azapite ziyaye ndi azimzake opusao
3. Yohan Yamikani Chingwalu says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 14:13
  
  ine ndiwa catholic koma sindizapita ndizapita azapite ziyaye ndi azimzake opusao
4. Dosha Phiri says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 17:38
  
  The MPs must alter it. This gvt of darkness has been a disgrace to the nation
5. Dosha Phiri says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 17:38
  
  The MPs must alter it. This gvt of darkness has been a disgrace to the nation
Justice Lijoni says:

11/12/2017 at 09:59

Musalire nzomwe mumafuna tikuonerani mumangoti demo-demo musakudziwa zosatira zakenu
Lonnly Fideliko says:

11/12/2017 at 09:40

bohboh
1. Matias Kapito says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 10:02
  
  Samazidziwa,a Congress ankaona ngati nchiyani?Tinkawauza ife,sidutsa bill imeneyi,m’busa wachinyengo manyazi
Pasadi Katole says:

11/12/2017 at 09:31

Akambiranadi bill imenei koma sidutsa ndie tione kuti ati ayidutsitse ndi a pac mogwiridzana ndi a congelesi ?
Mwanza Alex says:

11/12/2017 at 09:31

50+1 is rubish beter nt to have it it even bring problem among learder after failing to reach it
Saam Pochettino Mpindamalatah says:

11/12/2017 at 09:25

eeeeeee ma mp enawa akuikakamilawa izawaphinjanso kaaa
Mådålítsö Mpïñdàmálatä says:

11/12/2017 at 09:24

Saam Pochettino Mpindamalatah
Mådålítsö Mpïñdàmálatä says:

11/12/2017 at 09:21

Hahaha so will the MPs agree to that?
1. Godfrey Pembe says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 11:07
  
  Koma avomeretu
2. Mådålítsö Mpïñdàmálatä says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 12:17
  
  But our politicians are very selfish, I don’t see this bill passing out, otherwise amafuna ikanachta target one person
Chidzukulu Cha AnaDzimbiri says:

11/12/2017 at 09:18

Zili bhoo
Jie Mjr Andre says:

11/12/2017 at 09:14

So are the intended Demos still a way to go??.. I think no!!!!
Jie Mjr Andre says:

11/12/2017 at 09:12

Oooh….I commented first
1. Malizan MarsAir Maseya says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 09:13
  
  Congratulations
2. Jie Mjr Andre says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 09:14
3. Kunsida Thě Brěaďwīnněr says:
  
  11/12/2017 at 09:22
  
  ?
Jie Mjr Andre says:

11/12/2017 at 09:11

Yeeeeeee