By Draxon Maloya
The Mzuzu Civil Society Network (MCISON) has strongly criticized President Lazarus Chakwera’s newly appointed cabinet, describing it as overly large and comprised of political loyalists and non-performers.
This condemnation comes amidst Malawi’s fragile economy, which MCISON believes is being further strained by the bloated cabinet.
MCISON’s chairperson, Edward Kantuseya, and Secretary General, Edward Cheke Ziba, expressed their disappointment in a press statement, emphasizing that the cabinet’s composition is regrettable and characterized by the appointment of loyalists and non-performers.
“We join Malawians of good will in condemning the composition and size of this new cabinet, which regrettably is characterised by the appointment of political loyalists and a perceived reward of neptude and incompetence at a time when the economy is in dire state,” reads the statement.
The consortium which comprises of 31 Civil Society Organisations further states that while it acknowledged that section 94(1)of the Republican Constitution grants the president authority to appoint cabinet, it equally reminded that under section 6, the powers to govern derives from the people and their sustained trust in those with power and authority.
It further acknowledged its stance guided by the principle enshrined in sections 15(1), 34, and 35 of the same Constitution which emphasised human rights, accountability and freedom of expression.
In contrast, Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula has commended President Chakwera for his cabinet appointments, praising the inclusion of women in key leadership roles and the representation of opposition parties.
Mwakasungula noted that the current cabinet is leaner compared to the previous administration’s 42-member cabinet.
“We must praise Chakwera for including members from opposition parties, such as Joyce Chitsulo and Owen Chomanika from the DPP, and Ibrahim Matola and Noah Chimpeni from the People’s Party (PP) as a strategic move to foster unity and promote national cooperation,” writes Mwakasungula in his statement.
President Chakwera announced the new cabinet on New Year’s Day, drawing mixed reactions from the public and political commentators about its size and composition, sparked a debate with some arguing that it is too large and others praising its inclusivity and representation.
