Chihana Hail Govt For Accepting Federalism Debate

Some Northern Region MPs advocating for Federalism

One of the parliamentarians who has been advocating for Malawi government to adopt Federal system of government Honorable Enock Chihana hails government for accepting to opening up for a debate on Federalism calls.

Chihana a Rumphi Central Parliamentarian and President for Alliance For Democracy (AFORD) said he is happy that government has now accepted calls from several parliamentarians from Northern Region who seek government to adopt Federal system of government as it will assist all Malawi regions to have equitable access to development projects

"Its a welcome development and I want to congratulate Government for deciding to open up for debate and this is essence of democracy. When thee is an issue people have to debate, exhaust debate and make a decision on the way forward.

He said there is no need to rush now after such a positive development but wider consultations and sensitisations are needed throughout to all corners of the country to allow people understand meaning of federalism Government.

"After the debate there is need for referendum and Government will decide whether that issue should be taken back into the House for the House to debate and also amend the Act or else we should take the case to the people of Malawi to decide through the referendum.

This unitary system of Government has failed us, I thought it is proper for us yo look at a different system of Government. To me the only system of Government I looked at which I know could help Malawians is the federal system of Government. And I have said it before that even during Kamuzu Banda's time there was a federal system of Government only that at that time it was one party system of Government. You know that in the North we had a regional Minister, regional Administrators, and each and every department had a regional officer."

Early this week Minister of Information Honorable Kondwani Nankhumwa announced that government is ready to open up a debate on Federalism and begin mass civic education on the matter