By Burnett Munthali
Forty-three Members of Parliament on Thursday, December 12, 2024, voted in favor of a motion requiring Leader of Opposition George Chaponda to present evidence supporting his claims that the National Registration Bureau (NRB) is issuing new citizenship IDs at its facility in Kanengo, Lilongwe.
Only 37 MPs voted against the motion, indicating a majority support for Chaponda to substantiate his allegations within the next 48 hours.
The debate followed Chaponda’s remarks on Wednesday when he raised concerns in Parliament that the NRB was engaged in the production of new citizenship IDs. His claims prompted immediate reactions from MPs, with some demanding proof to back his statement.
The decision now places Chaponda under obligation to present concrete evidence to Parliament regarding his allegations.
The opposition leader has maintained his stance, stating that his claims were based on credible observations during his visit to the Kanengo facility. However, critics argue that the allegations could undermine public trust in the NRB and stir unnecessary political tensions.
As the 48-hour deadline looms, all eyes are on Chaponda to see whether he will deliver the evidence needed to validate his statements. The issue has sparked significant interest, with many Malawians awaiting clarity on the matter.
The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications, not only for the credibility of Chaponda’s leadership but also for the transparency and integrity of public institutions such as the NRB.
