…says “VP’s sideling unconstitutional”
Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda has charged, on the DPP government over what he described as failures that are pushing the country deeper into uncertainty.
In a press statement, Chithyola accused the administration of failing to improve the Malawi economy, saying families are struggling to afford food.
“The cost of living continues to rise while incomes remain stagnant. Foreign exchange shortages continue to affect businesses. High fuel costs continue to drive up the prices of goods and services” Chithyola Banda stated.
He questioned what he described as wasteful spending and alleged corruption at a time when hospitals, schools and key sectors continue to face funding challenges.
The leader of opposition also questioned President Peter Mutharika’s choice to send Education Minister Bright Msaka instead of one of his Vice Presidents to represent him at the unveiling of Saulos Chilima’s mausoleum where the two Vice presidents were also in attendance.
“I am deeply concerned by what appears to be the continued undermining of the Office of the Vice President. This is not about personalities. It is about respecting constitutional institutions,” he added.
Chithyola further argued that the Office of the Vice President is established by the Constitution, and that t is not a favour granted by any President, and urged Mutharika to respect the constitution.
The opposition leader also criticized remarks attributed to Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda on Malawians of Ngoni origin, saying no citizen should ever be made to feel like a stranger in their own country and that Malawi’s diversity should unite rather than divide the nation.
Chithyola further claimed that public institutions are increasingly being drawn into political battles, warning that selective application of the law weakens public confidence and undermines democracy.
He also raised concern over what he called growing nepotism in appointments to strategic public positions, arguing that merit and professionalism are being sacrificed for political connections.
“Positions should be earned through competence, experience and integrity — not political connections or personal relationships. When merit is sacrificed, institutions become weaker, service delivery deteriorates and public trust disappears,” argued Chithyola.
Calling for national renewal, Chithyola said the opposition would support government where it acts in the national interest but would continue speaking out whenever it believes Malawians are being failed.
