Analysts fault govt on inclusions of MPs, Councillors on the proposed 50+1 electoral system

Political analysts have faulted the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to include Members of Parliament and Councillors on the proposed 50+1 electoral, saying its nonstarter.

The analysts, Ernest Thindwa of Chancellor College and George Phiri of University of Livingstonia told Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) that the proposal is meant to frustrate the passing of the bills following pressure that has mounted on President Peter Mutharika to introduce electoral reforms.

“The president represents the whole country while a member of parliament is restricted to a constituency and a councilor to a ward only.
“That would be a waste of resources. Including the MPs and councilors in my view is nonsensical aiming at frustrating the whole process,” Thindwa was quoted as saying.

The Public Affairs Committee has been advocating for the tabling, discussing and passing of the electoral reform bills, specifically the 50+1 provision as recommended by the Malawi Law Commission (MLC).

PAC now says it has postponed nation-wide protests on the basis that government has succumbed to pressure to bring the controversial bills to parliament but says it will monitor to ensure the passing of the bill.