By Burnett Munthali
Veteran political commentator Oldman Malinga has strongly condemned the recent disturbances in Parliament, accusing the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) of undermining the nation’s constitutional democracy. His remarks come in the wake of the chaos that unfolded in Parliament on December 20, 2024, when a group of young MCP supporters, shouting “Boma ndilomweli,” disrupted proceedings, defied the Speaker’s instructions, and clashed with opposition Members of Parliament.
In a scathing commentary, Malinga reminded the public that Parliament belongs to the people of Malawi. He emphasized the importance of Parliament as the cornerstone of the nation’s democratic framework, stating, “Parliament is where the voices of the people are heard through their elected representatives. It is the space where laws are made, policies are debated, and our democratic values are upheld.”
Malinga further argued that while Parliament belongs to the people, it is essential to recognize that the people’s interests are represented by elected officials. “We must acknowledge that Parliamentarians, chosen through the democratic process, are entrusted with the responsibility to represent us in these sacred chambers,” Malinga noted. “They are the ones who carry the mandate to make decisions on behalf of the people they serve.”
The commentator reserved his harshest criticism for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), accusing the ruling party of orchestrating the disturbance. Malinga argued that the act of mobilizing supporters to disrupt parliamentary business was not only irresponsible but a direct assault on Malawi’s democracy. “For a party like MCP to stoop so low as to mobilize its supporters to go and disturb proceedings in Parliament is a direct attack on our Constitutional Democracy,” Malinga said.
He further pointed out that such behavior undermines the integrity of the legislative process. “Disrupting Parliament is not only disrespectful to the institution, but it also sends a dangerous message to the public — that it is acceptable to disregard the rule of law and democratic norms when things do not go in your favor.”
Malinga stressed the importance of political parties adhering to the rule of law and democratic principles. “It is the duty of every political party, especially those in power, to safeguard the integrity of our institutions, not to manipulate them for political gain,” he said. “What happened in Parliament on December 20 is a sad reflection of the growing disregard for law and order by some political players.”
He emphasized that political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, not disruption. “If parties in Parliament disagree, they should engage in constructive debate. This is the essence of democracy,” Malinga argued. “Resorting to violence, intimidation, or disorder to silence opposing views only erodes the fabric of our democracy.”
Oldman Malinga concluded by calling on the government, the Speaker of Parliament, and all relevant authorities to take decisive action against those responsible for the disruptions. “It is essential that those who disrupted Parliament are held accountable for their actions. We cannot allow such behavior to go unpunished, as it sets a dangerous precedent for future generations,” he warned.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant in defending Malawi’s democratic institutions. “We must be resolute in protecting the rule of law and the sanctity of Parliament. Democracy is not a privilege; it is a right that must be defended at all costs,” Malinga said.
A Strong Message for the Future
As Malawi continues to navigate its political challenges, Malinga’s comments serve as a reminder that democratic processes must be respected by all, regardless of political affiliation. The incident in Parliament has highlighted the fragile nature of democracy in the country and the need for responsible leadership.
“It is up to all of us — leaders, citizens, and institutions — to ensure that democracy is preserved and strengthened for future generations. We must stand united in defense of our Constitution,” Malinga concluded.
The events of December 20, 2024, will likely be remembered as a turning point in the ongoing debate over the state of Malawi’s democracy and the role of political parties in upholding the rule of law.
