The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has sounded a warning over growing tensions among Malawi’s key institutions, urging leaders to exercise restraint as debates over national affairs intensify.
The organisation says the country cannot afford institutional battles at a time when government should remain focused on addressing issues affecting Malawians.
NAP says the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary have clearly defined responsibilities under the Constitution and must operate within their respective mandates, while ensuring that the public interest remains at the centre of government business.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said the organisation supports recent calls by National Assembly Speaker Sameer Suleman for Parliament to establish joint committees to investigate issues of national importance.
Kondowe said the move could strengthen Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to represent citizens and hold public institutions accountable.
He, however, stressed that parliamentary oversight must be exercised independently, professionally and transparently, particularly at a time when Malawians are grappling with serious economic challenges.
«“Public resources must be protected and used efficiently,” Kondowe said, urging parliamentary committees to conduct their work fairly and without political interference.»
NAP said effective parliamentary oversight is particularly important when public institutions are accused of failing to safeguard state resources or adequately deliver essential services to citizens.
At the same time, the organisation cautioned against interpreting the powers of the Speaker as extending to the entire National Assembly.
According to NAP, while the Speaker has significant powers to preside over parliamentary proceedings and enforce parliamentary procedures, those powers should not be conflated with the collective constitutional powers vested in Parliament.
The organisation said maintaining this distinction is essential to preventing institutional disputes and ensuring that Malawi’s democratic institutions operate within the confines of the law.
NAP further cautioned Parliament against assuming responsibilities that fall within the mandates of other legally established institutions, particularly in matters involving alleged criminal conduct.
Kondowe said parliamentary investigations can play an important role in promoting oversight and accountability, but should not replace investigations conducted by institutions specifically mandated by law to investigate and prosecute criminal offences.
NAP has therefore called for greater coordination among the Executive, Legislature and other state institutions to ensure that constitutional principles, the rule of law and the public interest are upheld.
The organisation said Malawi needs stronger and more accountable institutions rather than institutional power struggles, arguing that each arm of government must exercise its authority responsibly while respecting the constitutional mandate and independence of the others.
NAP believes such an approach will help strengthen accountability, safeguard public resources and restore public confidence in state institutions at a time when the country is facing significant economic and governance challenges.
