President Peter Mutharika’s decision to send Education Minister Bright Msaka instead of one of his Vice Presidents to represent him at the unveiling of Saulos Chilima’s mausoleum has sparked debate.
Political analyst George Chaima told the local media that the decision raises concerns about adherence to established governance structures, arguing that Vice Presidents are constitutionally positioned to perform duties delegated by the President at major national events.
Chaima noted that First Vice President Jane Ansah attended the ceremony alongside former President Joyce Banda and former Vice President Michael Usi, making the choice to assign the role to a cabinet minister difficult to understand.
While acknowledging that the President has the constitutional authority to appoint anyone to represent him, Chaima said convention dictates that such responsibilities should ordinarily be delegated to one of the President’s deputies, especially at events of national significance.
He warned that bypassing the Vice Presidents risks undermining the authority and dignity of their offices while sending negative signals about the country’s governance system.
Another political analyst, Chimwemwe Tsitsi, agreed, saying the decision is fueling public speculation that relations between President Mutharika and his deputies may not be cordial.
Government, however, has defended the arrangement, saying using a cabinet minister instead of the Vice Presidents is part of its austerity measures aimed at reducing public expenditure, as Vice Presidential trips typically involve larger delegations and higher operational costs.
