By Draxon Maloya
The One Youth One Voice – Malawi has condemned the opposition members of Parliament’s decision to walk out of the House during President Lazarus Chakwera’s question-and-answer session, deeming it a significant misstep.
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) raised pressing questions, but the opposition’s exit meant they missed a crucial chance to hold the President accountable for addressing their constituents’ concerns.
According to a statement signed by its patron, Ernest Chirambo, the youth organization emphasizes the need for a united front that prioritizes engagement over disagreements.
“The opposition’s walkout not only lost them the chance to challenge the President directly but also risks alienating voters seeking a robust and proactive opposition. We, Malawian youths crave leaders willing to confront challenges head-on and advocate for their future,” reads part of the statement.
The youth arm organisation further urges leaders to stand up, ask tough questions, and demand answers, stressing that the opposition’s walkout risks alienating voters seeking a robust and proactive opposition.
The statement also highlights the desire for accountability and transparency, aiming to promote youth empowerment, good governance, and development initiatives.
The sentiment echoed renowned Malawian musical artist, Patience Namadingo’s sentiments, who expressed the frustrations of many Malawians during President Chakwera’s recent engagement with youths in Blantyre.
Namadingo stated that many people are angry, disappointed, and confused about governance issues, and that concerns over political accountability and transparency taking center stage as the country gears up for the 2025 general elections.
“Many people in the country are angry, disappointed and confused considering governance issues and i cannot like to stay in a country where a majority of youth wants to leave,” stressed Namadingo.
Several socio-economic commentators note that President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent engagement with youths has sparked a new line of thought: that genuine Malawian leaders are still among the younger generation.
As Malawi approaches the 2025 tripartite elections, the need for accountability and transparency in governance has become increasingly pressing with the international community, civil society, and Malawian citizens closely watching how the electoral body will navigate the critical test of democratic accountability.
