George Chaponda, the leader of the opposition parties in the National Assembly, has been granted 48 hours to present evidence regarding claims he made yesterday, on December 11, 2024, alleging that the government, through the National Registration Bureau (NRB) is utilizing offices of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in Kanengo as a base for orchestrating electoral fraud ahead of the 2025 elections, purportedly masterminded by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
This decision follows a vote during a parliamentary session where members debated whether Chaponda should be required to substantiate his statements. The motion to compel him to provide evidence was spearheaded by Welani Chilenga, a parliament member from the southern part of Chitipa district.
First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Madalitso Kazombo, who is currently presiding over the discussions, stressed the importance of adherence to parliamentary procedures and the necessity for members to back their claims with credible evidence.
“Members must ensure that they provide evidence on matters they bring forth in this house. We must always ensure that our discussions are accurate and substantiated,” said Kazombo.
All eyes are, now, on Chaponda who is expected to deliver his evidence within the stipulated 48-hour timeframe. The requirement for evidence underscores the increasing scrutiny and public calls for responsible and accountable political actions, particularly in the lead-up to crucial elections that could shape the future of Malawi.
The significance of this ruling extends beyond just Chaponda; it highlights the broader expectations placed on lawmakers to uphold integrity and accountability in their roles. The impending presentations are anticipated to impact not only the credibility of the parties involved but also the public’s trust in the political process.
Yesterday, members of the opposition parties fronted by DPP’s Blantyre South East constituency MP, Sameer Suleman, stormed NFRA warehouses and broadcast themselves vandalizing equipment and national identity cards that NRB agents were sorting for dispatch to various centres.
