Veteran lawmaker Esther Jolobala has officially declared her intention to contest for the position of second deputy speaker of Malawi’s Parliament, citing her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and effective governance.
Speaking to Malawi24 on Monday in Lilongwe after being sworn in as the MP for Machinga East, Jolobala, a three-term parliamentarian representing the UDF, emphasized her proven track record as both an independent legislator and a member of the opposition.
She said her bid aims to support the Speaker in transforming Parliament into “a house of fairness, unity, and balance,” where all members can participate freely in debates and decision-making.
“I have learned a great deal from my years in Parliament, and I now want to use that experience to strengthen the institution and ensure that every voice is heard,” Jolobala said.
On promoting women’s participation, Jolobala outlined plans to collaborate with development partners to provide capacity-building opportunities for female MPs. “We want women to actively engage in debates, contribute to bills and budgets, and play a meaningful role in all parliamentary matters. Training and support are essential, not just for women, but for male MPs and parliamentary staff as well, so that Malawi can compete effectively on both national and international platforms,” she explained.
Jolobala also reaffirmed her commitment to her constituents, insisting that she prioritizes representation over politics. “I have always seen myself as a representative of the people, not just a politician. As Parliament reopens, constituents should expect MPs to be actively involved in oversight, legislation, and ensuring checks and balances,” she added.
As the legislative session approaches, Jolobala said she is ready to hit the ground running, working closely with local councils and communities to address national priorities.
