By Our Reporter
Former Leader of Opposition and Member of Parliament for Mulanje Central Constituency, Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, has pledged to prioritize the review of relevant laws to ensure that Members of Parliament (MPs) regain control over the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) — a move he says will reconnect legislators with the people they represent.
In May this year, a three-judge panel comprising Justices Mzonde Mvula, Howard Pemba, and Eddah Ngwira ruled that MPs should no longer manage or implement CDF and Water Resource Fund projects, citing conflict of interest and breach of separation of powers. The ruling effectively handed full control of the funds to local councils, leaving MPs without a direct development tool for their constituencies.
However, in a four-page ‘manifesto’ that has been circulating among MPs online, Nankhumwa has promised to facilitate the invocation of Standing Orders 122 and 123 to ensure that the CDF Amendment Bill comes before the House as a Private Member’s Bill — a move that, he says, will speed up the process of restoring MPs’ role in constituency development.
“The CDF has always been the most visible and direct channel through which MPs connect with their constituencies,” said Nankhumwa. “With no alternative development funding pipeline flowing directly from central government to constituencies, this ruling has effectively distanced MPs from their people. I intend to change that.”
Nankhumwa, who has served in several ministerial portfolios and leadership roles in Parliament, said his plan is not only to restore the CDF but also to ensure transparency and accountability in how it is managed.
“This is not about power; it’s about presence and partnership with the people,” he explained. “I want a system where MPs continue to play an active role in the development of their areas, but within a transparent and accountable framework.”
The Mulanje Central legislator also revealed that he will establish a Joint Working Committee comprising representatives from all political parties and independent MPs to expedite reforms aimed at strengthening Parliament’s role in national development.
“My leadership will go beyond presiding over sessions — it will be about presiding over progress,” Nankhumwa declared. “Development must not be delayed by bureaucracy when people are waiting for change.”
As Malawi’s Parliament prepares for a crucial period of transition, Nankhumwa’s bold call to bring back the CDF to MPs has already stirred conversation within political circles, with many legislators reportedly rallying behind his push for reform.
“Our Parliament must be a place of harmony, not hostility,” he said. “Together, we can restore dignity, fairness, and purpose to the people’s House.”
Malawi’s parliamentarians are expected to elect a new Speaker of Parliament on October 29, the first day of the next parliamentary session. Among those who have shown interest to vie for the position are Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, Sammer Suleman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and George Million, the independent Member of Parliament for Phalombe Machemba Constituency.
