Like the sun setting on a long journey, Malawi’s 2019–2025 Parliament officially came to an end on Tuesday, 23rd July 2025. The Office of the Speaker has confirmed that the National Assembly stands dissolved in line with Section 67(1) of the Constitution, ahead of the September 16th Tripartite Elections.
In a statement signed by Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara, the public was informed that all parliamentary functions—including legislation, representation, and oversight—have ceased. The new Parliament will only be constituted after the upcoming general elections.
But just as one chapter ends, another dilemma is unfolding.
President Lazarus Chakwera is walking a constitutional tightrope, consulting key stakeholders—including the Speaker and the Ministry of Justice—on whether to recall the dissolved Parliament for an emergency session. The move follows a call from civil society organisations (CSOs) alarmed by voting laws that could prevent over 50,000 eligible citizens from casting their ballots.
“If a constitutional crisis or emergency arises between the dissolution and the elections, the President may reconvene Parliament,” reads the Speaker’s statement, referencing Section 67(4) of the Constitution.
The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has petitioned both the President and the Speaker, urging swift legislative amendments to Section 74 of the new electoral law. The law, amended in 2023, removes special voting arrangements that previously allowed certain citizens—such as security officers, polling staff, and journalists—to vote at locations other than where they registered.
CSOs argue that this change clashes with Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to vote. “It’s like locking the door on your own people and throwing away the key,” said CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe.
The President’s Press Secretary, Anthony Kasunda, confirmed that consultations are underway to assess the legal and constitutional path forward. “The President wants to ensure that any action taken respects the independence of Parliament and avoids misuse of presidential powers,” he said.
As things stand, Parliament remains dissolved. But if the President finds the law is putting democracy in danger, he may need to reopen the House—just long enough to fix the hole in the nation’s electoral ship.