Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter
Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda has challenged President Peter Mutharika to reconsider his decision to suspend the November parliamentary meeting, warning that the move delays efforts to find solutions to Malawi’s mounting challenges.
Banda said Parliament should have been allowed to meet to scrutinise government’s response to the fuel crisis, anticipated El Niño weather conditions and other pressing national problems.
He acknowledged the need to redirect public resources towards addressing the crises but argued that Parliament provided an important platform for government to explain its plans and be held accountable.
“Delaying the meeting means delaying the search for solutions to these challenges,” Banda said.
He also criticised the failure to consult the Parliamentary Service Commission before the suspension, describing it as disrespectful to Parliament’s institutional procedures.
Banda said the meeting was crucial for scrutinising public spending in sectors such as health and education, as well as assessing the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He has urged Mutharika and the Speaker of Parliament to engage in discussions to reverse the decision, arguing that national challenges require stronger parliamentary oversight, not fewer opportunities for debate.
