DPP, MCP Want to take charge of Malawi Parliament

The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the main opposition Malawi Congress Party are wrestling over the next speaker of the National Assembly who is set to be elected next week.

According to reports, DPP has already identified names of the potential speaker, on the other hand MCP is working on gaining more representatives in the house to win the seat.

According to inside sources from DPP have said that the party has earmarked former education minister Bright Msaka, former labor minister Francis Kasaila and former deputy speaker Esther Mcheka Chilenje for the position of the speaker.

According to MCP publicity secretary, Rev. Maurice Munthali once the party increases its number, chances are there to take over the highest seat.

“We in MCP have many people capable to lead the national assembly. Our priority is to do first things first, and the first thing is to make sure that we have more MPs in parliament to get more votes,” he said.

When asked if the party has names who are potential for the post, Munthali said some are showing interest for the position whilst others are expressing interest for other people.

Meanwhile, both parties are busy coaxing independent members of parliament to join their sides as they will need majority vote to grab the post.

Chancellor College based political scientist, Ernest Thindwa, has predicted that DPP is likely going to win the seat citing that most independent legislators align to join a ruling party after elections to score their personal points.

During the May 21^st parliamentary election, DPP got 62 MPs and MCP got 55 MPs; but both parties are scrambling for 55 MPs who won on independent ticket.