DPP changes tune on Sec. 65 Injunction

The Democratic Progressive Party DPP says it will pursue issues surrounding section 65 in parliament, backtracking on its earlier stand that it would seek court intervention to vacate an injunction on Section 65.

Mr. Chikumbutso Hiwa, Malawi’s Deputy Minister of Education, who is also an MP, last Thursday obtained a court injunction on behalf of his concerned law makers.

The injunction stops Speaker of Parliament from declaring their seats vacant for ditching their party to joining the ruling People’s Party.

Soon after the development, DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi told the media that the party would also go to the courts to vacate the injunction.

But on Monday DPP leader in parliament Dr. George Chaponda said the party will first pursue the matter in parliament before resorting to the courts.

The matter will not go to court now until the matter is exhausted in parliament, he said.

On injunction obtained by Mr. Hiwa, Dr. Chaponda wondered how the executive arm of government could stop another independent arm-the Parliament – from performing its duties.

If the section is invoked, about 40 MPs, some of them senior cabinet ministers, will have their seats declared vacant.