By Burnett Munthali
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, George Chaponda, has expressed his readiness to present evidence supporting his claims that the National Registration Bureau (NRB) is issuing new national IDs at a facility in Kanengo, Lilongwe.
Chaponda, however, argued that it should not have been necessary for him to provide such evidence, stating that the government should have responded to his allegations directly.
“I cannot come here [to Parliament] without evidence, but even if I provide all the evidence, it is not necessary. Standing Order 13 stipulates that when a question is raised, the government must respond. If they deny it, they should say so, but instead, they rushed to demand evidence without responding. Is that fair?” Chaponda remarked.
He affirmed that he has proof of the alleged activities, including photographs and videos, which he plans to present in the House.
“By the end of today, we will see,” he said.
On Wednesday, Chaponda raised concerns in Parliament that the NRB was processing new national IDs at the Kanengo site, following his visit to the facility.
Today, Member of Parliament for Chitipa South, Werani Chilenga, submitted a motion requesting Chaponda to present evidence in Parliament to substantiate his Wednesday claims.
The matter has sparked intense debate, with Chaponda insisting that his evidence will confirm his allegations, but also emphasizing the government’s duty to address such concerns transparently and promptly.
