By Suleman Chitera
Leader of Opposition George Chaponda has declared that opposition legislators will not support the proposed amendment to section 74 of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act, arguing that the current debate is misplaced.
Speaking during a press conference held in his office while Parliament was on lunch break, Chaponda dismissed claims that the existing provision—requiring voters to cast their ballots at their registered stations—constitutes a constitutional crisis.
“This is not a crisis. A real crisis is the fuel shortage affecting every Malawian today,” he said, stressing that amending the law is unnecessary.
Backing Chaponda’s position, Machinga East MP Esther Jolobala and Mzimba North MP Yeremia Chihana said the Malawi Electoral Commission already has the authority to make special provisions for certain groups to vote outside their registered stations.
Other opposition figures at the briefing included Thyolo Thava’s Mary Navicha, Rumphi North’s Jappie Mhango, and Mangochi West’s Shadreck Namalomba. Together, they emphasized that Parliament should focus on pressing national issues rather than what they described as a diversionary amendment.
