Boniface Joseph warns MPs against extending term to 7 years

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By Staff Reporter

LILONGWE — Governance activist Bonface Joseph has warned Members of Parliament against any move to extend the parliamentary term from five years to seven years.

“A big no to a plan of changing ruling term from five years to seven years,” Joseph said. “MPs must refrain from bringing a bill which will enable parliamentarians to stay up to seven years in office.”

The warning from Joseph follows ROUMERS that Ayuba James, MP, intends to table such a bill in the current sitting of Parliament. No bill has been officially tabled yet.Parliament Committee Visits Viphya Plane Crash Site in Probe Into Chilima Tragedy

Under the 1994 Constitution, MPs serve a five-year term. The last Parliament served six years after a 2020 amendment to align elections. That term ended in July 2025 ahead of the September 16 general elections.

Constitutional hurdle
Legal experts say changing the term would require a constitutional amendment. Section 196 demands a two-thirds majority in Parliament, and for issues affecting core democratic principles, a national referendum may be required.Parliamentary Probe Launched into Chikangawa Plane Crash

“If it passes in Parliament, then Malawians will need to go for a referendum to decide,” Joseph said, urging citizens to remain vigilant.

Joseph said MPs should focus on service delivery instead of extending their stay in office. Parliament is currently in session.