Malawi Parliament has decisively rejected Honorable Lonnie Chijere Phiri, the MP for Zomba Chingale, for the position on the Parliamentary Service Commission. Upon resuming its session in Lilongwe, the Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara, promptly moved a motion for Phiri’s confirmation following the recent vacancy created by Honorable Dr. George Chaponda’s election as Leader of Opposition.
The Speaker presented the motion with the following statement: “In light of the vacancy in the Parliamentary Service Commission resulting from the election of Honorable Dr. George Chaponda, MP for Mulanje South West, as Leader of Opposition, and in accordance, with section 194D(1)(b) of the Constitution and section 5(2) of the Parliamentary Service Act, this House resolves to appoint Honorable Lonnie Chijere Phiri, MP for Zomba Chingale, as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission. I beg to move.”
The motion was met with a resounding defeat, as Parliament went to a division vote, revealing a clear rejection with 75 votes against and only 32 in favor of Phiri’s appointment.
A parliamentary source commented to Shire Times, “Her behavior in the chamber has been notably disruptive and lacking in decorum. This rejection serves as a reprimand, aimed at teaching her the importance of respectful engagement, even with those she disagrees with.”
