President Mutharika Meets CMD Members; Advocates For Interparty Dialogue As Cornerstone Of Development

President Peter Mutharika says Malawi will move forward if all political parties embrace tolerance and dialogue.

The Malawi leader, was speaking at Kamuzu Palace on Thursday, evening during his meeting with members of Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD).

“I would like to assure you the members of CMD, that Government will do all it can to support the noble cause that you have. We need dialogue in order to work together. We have one Malawi, and its development is the responsibility of all of us.” Said Mutharika

He also appealed to CMD and all Political Parties to promote Patriotism, Integrity and hard work.

Mutharika also expressed his profound appreciation with developments taking place at CMD. He mentioned that he was happy to hear number of important issues that have been discussed in CMD relating to the general principle for the regulation of political parties; the political independence of registrar of political parties; process of registering and de-registering political party’s; transparency and accountability of political parties among others.

“This is interesting and commendable” he added

The CMD meeting with President was first of its kind because there has never been a meeting between the grouping and sitting President. 

CMD executive director, Kizito Tenthani indicated that the institution was through the engagement introducing board members and Political Party’s bill to president as well updated him of number of activities that were carried out by the institution.

At the end of the closed meeting with the president, Tenthani said president Mutharika has given a nod to the proposed Political Parties Bill, “He has said that he will try to see to it that the bill runs though its necessary process and he agreed that it was important for the country to have effective political parties and one of the ways he said is to look at the legal regulations of political parties.”

The bill which has been endorsed by all political parties, seeks political parties to be exercise accountability and transparency on their source of financing, internal democracy in political parties as well as making sure that political parties have legal personality so that political parties can sue or be sued. The bill further encourages effectiveness of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

Tenthani also indicated that President Mutharika has asked CMD look for other sustainable sources of funding for the institution as well as consider issues of safeguarding independence of CMD after the institution had requested the President to be assisted financially by the Government.

Tenthani further mentioned that the president also has welcomed the idea of establishing Leaders of Political Parties Forum but “he did not make a commitment because he noted that we didn’t have enough time to engage on other things but on principle he seemed to have no problem”

Currently there are seven political parties that are members for CMD and the board comprises of Political Party Secretary Generals.

Malawi To Enact ATI Bill Once Inconsistencies Are Corrected-President Mutharika

President Peter Mutharika maintains that his Government is going to enact Access to Information Bill (ATI) after all inconsistencies in the bill are resolved. 

He was speaking during the meeting with Media Council of Malawi and Media Owners at Kamuzu Palace in the capital city, Lilongwe on Thursday who engaged him on the progress of ATI Bill.

The bill was previously rejected by cabinet after noting some inconsistencies and was referred to Cabinet Committee on Legal Constitution to resolve the problem. Meanwhile Minister of Justice and Constitution Affairs, Samuel Tembenu says the bill has been finalized and will be taken to back to cabinet soon.

When responding to media plea that the bill needs to be enacted, President Mutharika reiterated that it is his wish to see the bill enacted. But he repeated sentiments made last year, that two major inconsistencies in the bill, Sections such as: 6(2) and 3(1) are most problematic areas that were being resolved so that, once enacted, the bill should be free of inconsistencies. 

Mutharika said Section 6(2) which reads “Any law enacted after the commencement of this Act which restricts the rights and obligations provided for in this Act, shall have no effect.” actually restricts future parliament from repealing the law and said this is against sovereignty of the parliament of repealing and passing any law.

Section 3(1) reads; “This Act shall apply to information in the custody or under the control of any public body, relevant private body or other information holders listed in the Schedule hereto regardless of whether such information came into existence before the commencement of this Act.”

On this section, President Mutharika explained that the provision is retrogressive because it seeks to obtain information which originated back before the existence of the bill. He said this is against principle of common law (ex post facto law) which prohibits application of the legislation to things that happened it was adopted. 

“There is no way” he emphasized “and I cannot accept to assent the bill which its sections are inconsistence with the principle of common law.” 

Without specifying dates he said cabinet is meeting where the bill will be discussed and after approval it will be taken to National Assembly for tabling but he underlined that enactment of the bill will not be as the result of pressure from anybody or conditionality of donor aid from development partners. 

“This Government will not accept ultimatums, no more ultimatums. Let’s act in fair and respectful manner” said Mutharika

“Should your Cabinet gloss over inconsistencies in the intended Law just because everyone is pressurising us? Will you not be the first people to say we made a bad law when the problems begin to surface? Should we overlook addressing the anticipated challenges that will face implementation because the media fraternity and donors are giving the Government of Malawi ultimatums” inquires Mutharika

Earlier, Media Council of Malawi Chairperson, Wiseman Chijere Chirwa noted the importance of the bill to both media and all Malawians.

Chirwa, said Government needs to enact the bill in order to help media to easily access to information from Government. 

The Media Council chairperson, underlined that failure to enact the bill will fuel unfavorable costs which includes creation of an environment for corruption, lack of accountability as well as lack of public trust into public officers.

President Mutharika rejected Media Council proposal that using his executive powers, the President should reject “adulterated” Bill which went to Cabinet, instead approve the “original” version of the bill which was formulated through duly consultative process. Mutharika argued that him alone cannot change “collective decisions” made by cabinet.

After the meeting, Chijere Chirwa said media council was happy that they finally met president and were explained in detail why the bill is facing delays but was quick to mention that media council is waiting to see how Government will reconcile media concerns and the problems raised by President.

During the meeting, Minister of Justice and Constitution Affairs, Samuel Tembenu assured the media that the bill before cabinet is not adulterated document but they are only trying to sort out problems with some provisions and further promised that the refined bill will be the best law in Africa.

Mozambique, Malawi We Are One People- Gune

The Mozambican Government says there is strong bilateral relations with Malawi and that the two Governments will continue working together.

The Mozambican High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador Jeorge David Gune made the remarks after presenting his letters of credence to State President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday, 12th January.

Ambassador Gune said their meeting with Mutharika held in camera, discussed that Malawi and Mozambique are one people and wished good bilateral relations to continue.

He also mentioned that the two countries will ensure continued interest in total support and working together.

Mutharika Angered With Corruption At MEC As Mbendera Tries To Fire-fight Allegations

Mutharika shaking hands with Mbendera

Malawi Electoral Commission Commissioner’s audience with President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday reached to a peak when the State President expressed his displeasure with reports that some MEC Commissioners have embezzled funds.

MEC Commissioners had an audience with President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace on Tuesday 12th January 2015 where the commission made a formal presentation of 2014 Tripartite Election Report. 

Mutharika did not mince words over alleged K1.6 billion looted at MECM “Mr. Chairman, whilst my Government is ready and willing to support the Commission, I am very concerned by reports of financial mismanagement and lack of probity within the ranks of the Commission which have been brought to my attention from time to time.” he said

“It is important that independence and accountability go hand in hand. Your credibility as Commissioners gets eroded by the persistent reports we read concerning lack of financial probity within the Commission. That in turn does very little to inspire confidence in Malawians who offer themselves to run for Public Office if the men and women who must make a final decision regarding their fate have doubtful credibility”

Mutharika therefore appealed to the Commission “to address and resolve all issues of concern in a manner which is transparent so that nobody harbours any doubt regarding your credibility as Electoral Commissioners.”

However, speaking in an interview immediately when the meeting ended, Mbendera said the issue was blown out of proportion and that those who alleged any mismanagement of funds at the institution lacked evidence.

Mbendera said the President was speaking of what people are continuously saying on the matter but “It is not true that there was massive looting” at MEC since appointment of the current Commissioners.

“We are and we were able to account for every allegations made by auditors” said while adding “There was no money lost at MEC”

Government, CCAP Blantyre Synod Bond Unbreakable

President Peter Mutharika has assured that good relation between the Church of the Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) of Blantyre Synod and his Government will not cease because it benefits the lives of people in the country.

Mutharika was speaking on Tuesday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe when the CCAP of Blantyre Synod was introducing to him the newly Synod elected leadership as well as Management Board that includes Secretary General and the Moderator.

“Let me assure the new leadership that Government will do its best to make sure that the relationship that has existed between the CCAP Blantyre Synod and Government will continue for the betterment of the lives of our People” guaranteed, Mutharika

He continued “The Church’s relationship with Government is very vital in finding concrete solutions to the needs of our People regardless of their belief. Together, we provide our people with education, food, health, water and sanitation and empowerment services, among others. We are partners in development. And together, we will do more.”

Mutharika has called upon the faithful Christians of Blantyre Synod to be obedient and loyal to their Leadership, and remain united so that their Leaders can better fulfil their responsibilities as the true servants of Go.

Likewise, the President also called upon the new leadership to continue nurturing the Faith of their Christians “This is important because with Faith everything is possible. And Faith is beyond Church. When people have faith in God, they have faith in themselves; they believe in themselves. They believe in their capabilities; and they work hard. They become people of integrity; and they become patriotic. This is what will make Malawi progress”

In his remarks, new Blantyre Synod General Secretary Alex Benson Maulana said the Synod commits to continue playing its prophetic role and advisory role to the Government of the day if given space. 

“We shall try whatever we can to engage with the leadership and the Government of the day as development partners.” He said and further assured the President that the Synod will continue to render its’ its moral, spiritual and social support as partners in development while maintaining their prophetic role.

Maulana also told Mutharika that the synod plans to establish a University and also establish a water bottling plant as a way of generating revenue for the church.

The CCAP Blantyre Synod also commended President Mutharika for strength and Courage to manage this nation without any donor support since he took over government up to now “You have our support and we shall continue to pray for your success towards greater heights as long as the lives citizens of this nation are uplifted.” Assured Maulana

New office bearers of Blantyre Synod were elected during the 30th Synod Biennial Assembly which took place from 24th -28th August, 2015.

During the interface with the President, the Synod introduced its Moderator and vice Moderator, Rev. Robson Chimkwezule and Edna Navia respectively and General Secretary, Alex Benson Maulana.

The meeting with the President was the Synod’s tradition and practice, that soon after any Biennial Assemblies they book appointment with Head of State to present an update on some issues of national interest deliberated during assemblies and to introduce the newly elected Synod Leadership.

The Synod and the President also spoke in Camera on issues of national interests.

MEC Gets No Pressure From Mutharika Government- MEC Commission

Mutharika shaking hands with Mbendera

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has publicly said it has never received any pressure from Government in its operations since ascendancy to power of President Peter Mutharika and has since applauded the State President for ensuring that the Electoral body operates freely as well training Commissioners so that they are well versed with matters of elections.

MEC Chairperson, Justice Maxon Mbendera was speaking during MEC Commissioners audience with President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace on Tuesday 12th January 2015 where the commission made a formal presentation of 2014 Tripartite Election Report. 

Before handing over the report, Mbendera emphasised that the Commission is enjoying working with the President and his Government. 

“Unlike in other jurisdictions, Your Excellency, does not, and has never interfered with the work of the Commission. Your Excellency has ensured that You Sir give us the space to work independently in fulfillment of our mandate.” Said Mbendera adding that he never got a phone call from the President, directing him what the commission ought to do

Commissioners were meeting with the President for the first time since 2014 Tripartite Elections because they failed to meet the first citizen last year due to his tight schedule. Although the report was sent out to all political parties long time ago but the Commission needed to meet the president since under section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act, the Commission is obliged to present the report to the President. 

MEC Chair’s speech dwelled much on highlighting some of the major activities and achievements the commission has registered since Mutharika’s ascendancy to power.

Some of the achievements mentioned include by-elections for the seats that fell vacant for various reasons after the 2014 Tripartite Elections and capacity building programmes for both Commissioners and staff at MEC. 

Mbendera said the Commission conducted three sets of by-elections; in October 2014, August 2015 and 22nd December 2015. And thanked Mutharika Government for providing financial support for conducting these by-elections and described such gesture as a “Commitment” to the “democratization process of this country” to ensure that the people are represented at all times.

He further noted with appreciation of capacity building programmes which he said has enabled Commissioners to be well versed in matters of elections as they prepare for 2019 elections.

Mbendera said the Commissioners have been exposed to various capacity building programes including; civic education, logistics, voter registration, conflict management, and that recently, the Commissioners and Staff have been capacitated to carry out a very critical function of demarcation with excellence. 

“In short your Excellency, I want to underscore the fact that Commissioners are well prepared to undertake the tasks that lie ahead. You can be assured that they will perform their duties with professionalism.

We wish to assure Your Excellency, that with kind of training we have been receiving over the years, we shall deliver quality elections in the country. It is a desire of the Commissioners to make the Malawi Electoral Commission a centre of Excellence in Elections Management.” He said 

Mbendera further thanked president Mutharika’s Government for providing funds for ongoing demarcation programme and current budget of the Commission.

“Your Excellency, with this support, Malawins are assured of having quality services from the Commission. On our part, we shall continue to serve the nation without fear or favour.” Said Mbendera

Among others, Mbendera said in 2015 and 2016 financial Year, the Commission has lined up plans including, demarcation of wards and constituencies, voter registration exercise and has also supported electoral reforms process. The Commissioners also reminded the President of the expiry of their first term of office in May 2016 and in of Chairman coming to an end in October , 2016.

In his remarks president Peter Mutharika, appreciated the Commission for organizing and managing the 2014 tripartite elections as well as subsequent by-elections.

“Mr. Chairman, the conduct of the recent bye-elections does indeed show that your Commission has come of age and has acquired the relevant experience in managing elections. 

I would therefore like to assure you that my Government is ready and willing to offer the support to your Commission in the discharge of its legal mandate.” Said President Mutharika 

He also informed the president that the term of their office for Commissioners comes to an end in May this year while his terms ends in October this year.

President Mutharika Was Incorrect On Provision In ATI Bill

Trapence and Mtambo

It is now proven that President Peter Mutharika erred to claim that Access to Information (ATI) Bill has provision which bars National Assembly from reviewing the legislation once enacted.

Two renowned Civil Society Organizations, Centre for Development of People (Cedep) and Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) have since faulted the Malawi leader saying they never came across such provision in the drat bill.

Peter Mutharika

President Mutharika told Journalists on Monday at Kamuzu Palace that the ATI bill has number of inconsistencies including two provisions which says; once enacted the law will cover any information that happened before its enactment (Against common law principle that the law takes effect on matters happening the day it is signed) and that “in future” no parliament can ever repeal the law.

But according to a statement from the Cedep and CHRR signed by its executive directors, Gift Trapence and Timothy Mtambo respectively, they have possession of the draft bill which the President quoted but never came across a clause which says Parliament shall not have the power to repeal the Access to Information law.

“It is equally significant that President was able to highlight some of the “inconsistencies” in the Bill during the press conference. We, at CHRR and Cedep, however, wonder where the ‘inconsistencies’ the President highlighted during the press briefing came from. We have the draft Access to Information Bill and have never come across a clause which says Parliament shall not have the power to repeal the Access to Information law.  The Access to Information Bill we have was informed by progressive model laws on access to information.” Reads the statement

Cedep and CHRR believe the inconsistency claims were mare lies and tactics to delay enactment of the legislation.

The two CSOs have therefore challenged government to publish all the said “inconsistencies” for the public to appreciate them in addition to publicize the ATI Bill, once all the ‘ironing out’ and ‘aligning’ of the bill with other laws is done, before tabling it in the National Assembly.

“This would enable citizens and other stakeholders to check if there are any adulterations in the Bill.  Otherwise, we are bound to believe that the President is simply buying cheap public sympathy to justify the delay in enacting the bill.” Said Cedep and CHRR

“Given the culture of secrecy on how government is run, compounded a recent background of plunder of resources, Malawians  can simply ill afford to have an adulterated piece of legislation that will fall short filling its democratic space. Malawians need a law that will add value to democracy.” Claims the statement

Cedep and CHRR statement further said the President was undemocratic to state that he is not going to take deadlines from Malawians. The CSO's says as an employee of the electorate, the President must be accommodative enough, fully cognizant that it is within the citizens rights to issue deadlines to their demands especially on matters that require urgent address by his leadership.

Reading the draft ATI bill in question we never found the provision which President Peter Mutharika claimed that “in future” no parliament can ever repeal the law  

Indeed, President Mutharika was right to mention that in the current ATI Draft Bill grant access to information even that existed before the legislation was signed according to Chapter 3 on the application of the legislation  

                 “3. - (1) This Act shall apply to information in the custody or under the control of any public body, relevant private body or other information holders listed in the Schedule hereto regardless of whether such information came into existence  before the commencement of this Act  

     However, “(2) This Act shall not apply to the following information: Cabinet records and those of its committees; court records prior to conclusion of a matter; and information excluded from publication under the Official Secrets Act; and personal information.”

Mutharika made the error on the Bill when speaking to Journalist at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Monday evening following his return on December 6 from Malta, UK and South Africa where he went to attend to Summit and hold number of bilateral talks.

President Mutharika continued to make his promise of taking Access to Information Bill to National Assembly but this time around says this will happen "at some point" in this 46th Session of National Assembly.

He said his Government is through Cabinet Committee on Legal matters is resolving inconsistencies which prevented the bill from being taken to just ended First Meeting of 46th Session of the National Assembly as promised.c7

Mutharika Says No Talks On Jet But More Time Is Wasted

Malawi President Peter Mutharika says he is wasting alot of time when he is on traveling out side the country using commercial fights, but his administration will not buy Presidential Jet to ease his transport problems.

Mutharika sounded in very disapointed tone telling Journalists at Kamuzu Palace that he wasted 10 hours during his recent trip to Malta, UK and South Africa after facing torment of being made to stand on very long queues at airports, waiting to catch a flight and making connections to reach final destination.

He said on his way to Malta, he spent 24 hours of traveling from Malawi to South Africa then Dubai to Rome where he got flight to Malta.

“The line you saw (picture circulating in social media) it was at Rome Airport." Said Mutharika and added "nothing was created” and "we wasted 10 hours of time."

He said pictures that stormed social media of him being on the queue at airports and the missing luggage were both real but the luggage was recovered after it was discovered that it got left behind at Johannesburg airport for some reasons.

Asked if at all his Government has any plans to buy a jet his response was “Let me answer that question once and for all. And then I hope this nonsense will stop once and for all. 

Government has no plans to buy a Jet” responded Mutharika repeatedly “Government has no plans, Government has no plans Ok” he said 

“We have no plans to buy a Jet period. So let’s leave this obsession about the Jet and move on” he added 

Besides, Mutharika says his administration is continuing with investigations into circumstances led to the sale of Presidential Jet by Jouce Banda administration and also finding out how the proceeds of the sale were used for.

The Malawi leader says the ongoing investigations shall also see if any procurement system was followed when selling the Jet.

Mutharika Makes Another Promise On ATI Bill

Add caption

President Peter Mutharika continues to make promise of taking Access to Information Bill to National Assembly but this time around says this will happen "at some point" in this 46th Session.

Since he was elected the president of Malawi, Peter Mutharika has made number of promises to enact the ATI bill. Most recent similar pronouncement was made in Salima district where he said the bill was finalised and ready for tabling during the First Meeting of 46th Session of National Assembly. However, Week before National Assembly Meeting his minister of Information, began to issue statements which contradicts president promise and the bill never went to the Assembly.

When Mutharika was speaking to Journalist at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Monday afternoon he said his Government is not fighting against the bill and will not “take deadlines” from anybody of when to have the bill enacted 

Again, Mutharika made usual promise when asked of the progress of resolving inconsistencies which Government said was main impediment to take the bill during just ended National Assembly meeting.

But this time around using a word ‘at some point’ for more than twice, he said the bill will be passed in this 46th Session of National Assembly but after Cabinet Committee on Legal matters addresses all inconsistencies.

He mentioned that there are number of provisions in the bill which his administration finds to be inconsistence.

“There are number of issues in the Bill. We have for example provision in the Bill which says that the bill will cover any information that happen before the bill was enacted.” indicates Mutharika

While stating that the provision is against principle of common law (called ex post facto law), which prohibits application of a legislation to things happened before it was adopted, maintained that he wants law take effect on the matters happening from the day he assent the bill.

“There is another one” he added “It says that, in future no parliament can ever repeal this law… But parliament is sovereign it can pass any law or repeal any law.” Said Mutharika

He went on “We are passing the bill not to please anybody, we are passing the bill in our interest its good that people should know in a democracy, how decision are made and we hope that all these requests will be made in responsible manner and that those information will be respected.” Said Mutharika and repeatedly said “We will pass the bill at some point.”

Mutharika was speaking to Journalist at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Monday evening following his return on December 6 from Malta, UK and South Africa where he attended Summit and held number of bilateral talks.

Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda indicated in the Communique that President Mutharika in his engagements with UK government officials and legislatures spoke and got promise on budgetary aid resumption to Malawi.

Apparently, Malawi is required to meet number of conditions including passing Access to Information Bill for European Union (EU) (whose membership includes UK Government) and World Bank to disburse their promised budgetary aid.

Malawi Minister of Finance, Goodall Gondwe, delivered in the National Assembly a statement on 25th November 2015 on Economic status of the country wherein he indicated that donors like World Bank and EU will continue to withhold promised budgetary support until Malawi brings to Parliament the bill and meet other 19 conditions. 

But Mutharika on Monday said there is no need to put some conditions because “we are going” to pass the ATI Bill.

“It is in our manifesto, we are the first people to say in Manifesto that we are going to have Access to Information.” He said

How Crucial Is The Bill To Attract Budgetary Support?

EU and World Bank promised Malawi to resume their budgetary support.

However the Minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe admitted in the National Assembly on 25th November 2015 that on top of Public Finance Reform Management Programme, immediate IMF conditionality the two institutions have also added their own conditionality that Malawi needs to meet before their budgetary support is disbursed.

Goodall 

“A large number of conditionality has been agreed which we will have to satisfy before they can disburse the budgetary support. These two institutions require that we should have presented in this Parliament, Access to Information Bill (ATI) as well as implement reforms relating to wage administration that will expunge ghost workers in our wage bill.” Said in his statement in November National Assembly meeting

He added that the two institutions also demands that Malawi need completely reform the FISP which they essentially support so that more than half of the subsidized fertilizers is sold by the private sector instead of Smallholder Farmer Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi and ADMARC. He noted that in total there are more than 20 conditions that Malawi has to meet before the funds are disbursed.

“We are working on these now and we hope that we can satisfy them by the end of March 2016 so that the aid disbursement can take place during the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.” Said Goodall

He also mentioned that Malawi has reactivated IMF Programmes because they are helpful because they reinforce prudent fiscal management and require rigorous economic and financial discipline in Government and reserve Bank.

He therefore said Malawi is set to take number of measures to effect the required balancing of resource with expenditure so as to reduce inflationary pressures. He said this follows IMF conclusion that its programmes have been off track.

“We expect to bring the programme on track as the next IMF staff visit to Malawi (February 2016) when the data for the first half of financial year (July to December 2015) will be examined. 

He therefore highlighted that the conclusion of IMF that Malawi is back on track will be valuable to attract donors to review their stand on their support to Malawi.

“Certainly we know that regardless of the conditionality they have given us the first conditionality that EU and World Bank have given us to resume their pledged budgetary support is the observance of IMF programme.” he said 

Gondwe further added that the IMF programe could also be advertised to the private sector internationally that prudent finance management is resumed in Malawi 

“It is critical in regenerating confidence in the economy” he added

Several donor nations in 2013 suspended budgetary aid to Malawi following public money looting scandal known as Cashgate. The latest to announce the delay of funding were donors under the Common Approach to Budget Support (CABS).

Through the suspension, Malawi lost almost 40% of its budgetary assistance.

Malawi Has Excess Maize Now-Confirm President Mutharika

Mutharika says Nobody is dying of
hunger under his leadeeship 

President Peter Mutharika has announced that Malawi is now food secure and that people should jettison fears of hunger hitting hard people this year.

Mutharika on Monday afternoon told Journalist at Kamuzu Palace that earlier in the day got such an exciting report from National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) that Malawi has excess maize.

Following adverse weather conditions early 2015, Malawi's maize production and other food crops across the country declined puting a total of 2.8 million people representing 17% of the country’s total population at risk of hunger during the 2015/2016.

An assessment by the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC), carried out in June and July, 2015, the siuation required humanitarian food to support the affected people was 124,183MT of maize equivalence. 

“I was very pleased to hear from NRA that there is excess maize in this country and that they will be asking me to agree to allow traders to export maize outside this country.” Said Mutharika adding “and this is what I have been saying all along.”

Mutharika said earlier in the day got report from National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) that Malawi has excess maize and NFRA will be asking the president to allow traders to export maize outside the country.

At this point he reiterated with assurance that no Malawian will die of hunger this year or under his administration and all logistical issues are being sorted out to ensure that maize is available in ADMARC markets.

He said; “nobody is going to die of hunger” He repeated “Nobody is going to die in this country of hunger under DPP Government.”

His remarks comes just after his deputy, Saulos Chilima had recently made an update on food situation.

The Vice President had mentioned that although International Community has assisted the country amounting to about US$91million but still Government is appealing for more assistance because currently there is a shortfall of US$55.378 million is approximately K31 billion for hunger response.

Efforts to curb hunger 1,960,377 people, representing 69 percent of the affected population in 68 Traditional Authorities in 24 districts, were targeted with food distribution while 880, 117 people, representing 31 percent in 58 Traditional Authorities in 18 districts, were considered on cash transfers. 

To stabilize the price of the commodity on the market through ADMARC the Malawi government also, using its own resources, bought 30,000MT of maize from Zambia for ADMARC at a cost of K2.8 billion, and 22,193MT of maize locally at a cost of K2.6 billion.

Mutharika Calls For Patience As Power Outages Continues

Mutharika: bear with us as we are trying our best

President Peter Mutharika has appealed for patience from Malawians as the country continues to face persisting unreliable power supply from Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) saying much effort is being done to end the problem.

Mutharika Travels With Lean Entourage To Malta, UK, Juberg

Mutharika: traveling with few delegation 

Government says a lean delegation will accompany the President on his trip to Malta, United Kingdom and South Africa as the country continue to criticize the president for making outside travels while the country’s economy continues to slip.

Malawians Tired Of Excuses On ATI Enactment-CHRR, Cedep

Gift Trapence

Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) and Centre for Development of People (Cedep) says Malawians are tired of Government excuses on taking Access to Information Bill (ATI) to Parliament for enactment.

The two institutions have issued a statement signed by its executive directors Timothy Mtambo (CHRR) and Gift Trapence (Cedep) who says such unwarranted delays are insult to Malawians and are failure on the part of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Government to bringing the bill for enactment.

CHRR and Cedep statement comes a day after Government issued a statement that Cabinet meeting of 17th November 2015 considered the Bill, and directed its Committee on Legal Affairs and Constitutional Affairs to quickly resolve inconsistencies therein.

In the statement, Minister of Information Jappie Mhango said it is the intention of Government to have a good and balanced law that is representative of all sectors of society. 

However, CHRR and Cedpep says Malawians “can no longer entertain further excuses” on sending to Parliament the Access to Information Bill for enactment.

The statement titled ‘A call on government to live the talk’ says when the President indicated in his opening address of 46th Session of Parliament that the bill would be tabled during the current Meeting of National Assembly, Malawians heaved a sigh of relief, given the importance of the piece of legislation in enhancing transparency and accountability in the affairs of the country.

“It is, thus, shocking, to note that the much-awaited bill does not appear anywhere near the Order Paper or on the notices of the new bills for the current sitting. This is unfortunate, to say the least. By promising Malawians what he cannot deliver, as is the case with ATI and other numerous instances—the incumbent is simply taking the citizens’ trust for granted. To this end, we call upon the President and the DPP government to ensure that the ATI bill is passed into law in the current sitting of Parliament. Malawians can no longer entertain further excuses on the Bill” reads the statement 

Said Gift Trapence in an interview; “This bill is very important for the development of the country. The bill will make sure that Malawians are able to access information of different sectors; information of health, on economy, agriculture 

So if government passes that bill it will help a lot in terms of accountability and transparency but as well development issues”

He said Civil Society Organizations are worried that Government is not committed to make sure that that bill is passed considering changes that government has been making in many times as to when they are going to pass the bill.

“So as civil Society Organizations we are worried in terms of behavior of the Government by not showing that commitment that they would want to pass the bill.

We are worried with the behavior of the current regime in terms of not respecting the pillars of the democracy and in those pillars one of them is the Access to Information Bill.” He said

Then the Cedep Executive Director warned that CSO’s are set to use all avenues to make sure that they pressure the Government to pass the ATI bill.

“We will use different strategies as CSO’s that we are going to mobilize, we will use international partners to make sure that this government passes the bill.” He said 

Among others the CHRR and Cedep statement also condemns the tendency where number of Cabinet Ministers are attending to Presidential political rallies yet they have nothing to do at the event.

CHRR and Cedep says such a practice is only wasting public money. 

“We at CHRR and Cedep are deeply disappointed at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government’s continued wastage of the country’s limited resources on political rallies disguised as development rallies. Our position is informed by the recent ‘development rally’ in Mangochi where a horde of Cabinet ministers and other government officials accompanied the President at the painful cost of tax-payers. This is outrageous! While we appreciate the need for the President to address the nation on the government’s development plans, we find the expenses that accompany such functions too excessive for the current state of the economy”

In the statement CHRR and Cedep, vows not to tire to remind the DPP government that it should consider spending the limited resources on critical areas such as the health, education, water and energy sectors in dire need to urgent attention.

“If at all President Prof. Peter Mutharika feels like updating the nation on his government’s plans, let him be conducting periodic press conferences which, in our considered view, are a cost-effective alternative” says the statement

Health Minister Says No Homosexuality Ties In Global Fund Grant

Some Legislatures suspects Malawi Government accepted Homosexuality as condition to obtain Global Fund grant money signed a month ago in Lilongwe.

Parliamentarian from Lilongwe Msodzi South Vitus Dzoole Mwale was a first member to ask the Minister of Health to provide clarification on the matter.

Minister of Health, Peter Kumpalume downplayed the suspicions saying there is no single condition relating to homosexuality in the Global Fund Grant money.

The parliamentarians raised concerns during the continuation of the debate on the State of the National Address delivered by President Peter Mutharika on Friday 6th November.

“Global Fund does not place on us any obligation to accept homosexuality at all in giving us money to combat HIV/AIDS in Malawi." Clarifies Kumpalume

"The Ministry of Health is in the job of helping people at the point of need. We do not ask how people got their HIV from, we simply treat them.” he said

He then explained that “We as a country when we ask for money for the particular programme we tell them exactly what we want to use that money for but nothing to do with legalizing homosexuality. Global Fund does not ask for that it just give the money for the purpose we ask for.”

Global Fund assistance is used for the fight of Malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis (TB). 

In October, Global Fund gave Malawi US$378 million towards the fight of HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

US$346 million is for HIV and TB while US$32 million is for the fight against malaria. 

President Peter Mutharika signedd Partnership and Acknowledgement of Grants Agreement with the Executive Director of the Global Fund, Mark Dybul, at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

The US$ 378 million support is the largest allocation that the Global Fund has made anywhere in the world and President Peter Mutharika said the support will save millions of lives of people. 

Malata, Cement Subsidies Form Of Dependency

Lazarus Chakwera

Leader of Opposition in Parliament attacks Malata and Cement Subsidy programme pursued by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Government as unsound plan which make citizens dependent to Government.

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president said Malawians do not deserve better housing, but there is a better way to increase access to such amenities. 

Chakwera mentioned that his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) believe that the best way to improve living standards and conditions is to increase the capacity of Malawians through private sector jobs and businesses that generate enough income for them to build their own houses. 

He said current subsidy is one way of encouraging citizens overdependence on Government which encourages consumption capacity instead of building productive capacity to generate adequate revenues in future.

"Mr. Speaker Sir, instead of building productive capacity to generate adequate revenues in future, the Executive is busy building consumption capacity – continuing with its expansion of such consumption avenues as the Malata and Cement Subsidy.” He said

“Who in their right mind increases consumption when productivity is shrinking? Besides, when are we going to open our eyes to see that knee-jerk subsidy programs are the most vulnerable to abuse?" Said Chakwera in his response to the State of the National Address 

He went on; "No President can say in one breath that the Government needs to move away from dependency on donors and at the same time sink Malawians deeper into dependency on Government subsidies. Malawi does not need a President who invents new ways to spend Malawians‟ money, but one who creates new ways for Malawians to create wealth which they can spend as they see fit. How can this president administer a cure for our economic ills if he is unable to see that dependency on subsidies is part of the sickness? How can Malawians be engaged in activities that grow the economy when he is busy deepening their sense of dependency?"

Chakera also questions criteria of selecting 80 beneficiaries in the programme per constituency, parameters used among others.

"Mr Speaker Sir, the President said that 80 beneficiaries in the Malata and Cement Subsidy have been identified per constituency in all the 193 constituencies. Many questions arise: What were the criteria for selecting the beneficiaries? What parameters did they use? Who selected those beneficiaries? Hindsight teaches us that these kinds of programs are ill advised, ill-devised, and ill-executed."

    

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Negotiations May Bring Back Donors- PP

Uladi Mussa

The opposition Peoples Party (PP) says Donors may resume direct budgetary aid if the current administration swallows its pride and begin to negotiate with donors and accept their demands.

Leader of PP in Parliament Uladi Mussa was speaking in the National Assembly on Monday evening when responding to State of National Address by President Peter Mutharika delivered on Friday.

Mussa said the main reason donors are reluctant to come back is because the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is failing to effectively negotiate with them and listen to their demands.

Donors suspended their direct budgetary aid to Malawi following revelations of massive looting of public money at the Capital Hill dubbed Cashgate.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration of Peter Mutharika says Malawians should move away from donor dependency and start to focus on ways to outsource resources locally and bringing in investors.

However, PP says “does not agree” that Malawi cannot negotiate further with our donors “donor age should not end abruptly because this is not first time happening in the country.”

Uladi Mussa said all President Peter Mutharika’s predecessors came in when donors had left but they managed to bring them back.

“When Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda got voted out of the office in 1994 the Paris Club had left. But Dr. Bakili Muluzi came in they negotiated and donors came back. Ten years later, when Bingu Wa Mutharika came in donors had also left due to bad governance and corruption. But did the same. He went to New York in September of 2004 to give his maiden speech” said Mussa.

He noted that similar development happened in 2012 when Joyce Banda came to power. Also donors had left because the incumbent was off-track with IMF policy but made negotiations until donors came back.

“So we are greatly surprised that DPP is telling people that we must suffer, no aid will be coming to Malawi. No!” he said “The aid can come to Malawi if there is a political will to negotiate with donors.” He added

Mussa then alleged that he is sure that Mutharika administration has failed to convince donors to come back because of the known problems and reasons.

He mentioned failure to honor donor demands and instructions on fiscal audit on K92 billion cashgate scam which took place from 2009 to 2012 during the time of Bingu Wa Mutharika and calls for an investigation into the murder of Issa Njauju one of the top Officials at the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) and many other things are the main reasons why DPP won’t go for negotiations with donors. 

“So to avoid these conditions this government is saying No donor aid. But I strongly believe if there is political will donors can come back to assist the poorest of the poor in this country.” He added

However he made it clear that PP does appreciates the need for Malawi to be self-sufficient, but believes that Malawi should develop a plan to gradually wean itself from donor aid.

Mussa also in his response rubbishes President Mutharika State of National Address as empty statement which does not give hope but full of lamentations with no proposal about how the country will come out of current mess.

He in several times called for Mutharika resignation.

The PP leader also bemoaned over new procedure in the identification of Farm Input Subsidy beneficies and its price by saying that at the moment, the programme will benefit the rich and not the poor of the poorest.

He further bemoaned with the state of Governance and Human rights issues that includes; Conflicts between branches of government, on tackling corruption and protection of the officers involved in investigation of corruption cases, interference by the Attorney General in Parliamentary Affairs, denying former President Joyce Banda to entitlements (official salary, security, vehicles and residence) and failure to commit to amend the Electoral Laws.

Mutharika Sugarcoat Malawi Situation In His Address

Chakwera

Leader of Opposition in Parliament Lazarus Chakwera, says President Peter Mutharika’s sugarcoated seriousness of the country situation in his speech when opening the Parliament Meeting on Friday.


The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president was responding to State Of National Address on Monday evening as the house begins responding to President Speech delivered last Friday 6th November 2015.


Chakwera said although President Peter Mutharika acknowledged in his address that the country is at critical stage but the rest of his speech was sugarcoating the seriousness of the situation.


The leader of Opposition whose speech lasted 38 minutes, full of number of concerns regarding what President Peter Mutharika should have spoken on the occasion of opening the 46th Session of Parliament, however, said “one positive from the President‟s address is that it only lasted 23 minutes, so at least Mutharika was kind enough to not take too much of our time with his Zero Plan Speech.”


Chakwera said the President Speech was not only empty, but also avoided so many national issues


“To be frank, Mr Speaker Sir, the President‟s speech avoided so many national issues that it is almost impossible to find anything of substance to respond to.” Said Chakwera


“The Executive may think that avoiding to say how bad things are will make Malawians think that their lives are getting better, but this is a fool‟s errand, and this House will not allow you to bury your heads in the sand like this. Let‟s talk about how things are falling apart.” Said Chakwera


He said as things seems now, it is clear that Malawi is not only financially bankrupt, but also bankrupt of sound policies and plans to move Malawi into a prosperous nation.


The Opposition Leader justified his claim saying for those who listened to President Mutharika’s speech  never got action plans to end enormous challenges facing people.


Among others he said President failed to highlight areas of deteriorating security, food situation, social welfare even rationale on hiked fees in Secondary and Universities as well as removal of Standard 8 and JCE examination. He further said the President should have also informed Malawians on the status of K557 billion audit query as well as plans to end arson burning markets.


He then requested the whole house to put heads together to offer ideas to President on how he can end the enormous challenges facing the country


“Because the President has failed to set the record straight about the poor performance of the country and his leadership, I stand here to do it. Because his government has no plan by which to call Malawians to actions that will get us out of this mess, we must all put our heads together here to offer him ideas.” He said


“We simply cannot afford to let the ship we are sailing on to sink in these troubled economic waters simply because the captain does not know the way to our destiny or how to navigate troubled waters. We cannot afford to let the Executive, with its 20 strong cabinet plus a congregation of 20 plus so-called advisors, leave our children at the mercy of its endless comedy of errors. It is unfortunate that the people have no means to fire the whole administration, and indeed a wonder that the whole lot has not resigned. After all, Mr Speaker Sir, not only are they failing to solve our problems, but they themselves have become a problem!” he lamented


He also accused President Mutharika of lying to Malawians that 2015 will be a great year, that the economy will rebound and that nothing is working now.

China Promises Malawi Of Continued Brotherly Support

Chinese Government says it will continue to support Malawi because of friendly and enhanced bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

The Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Zhang Qingyang said this in an interview following Wednesday’s announcement by President Peter Mutharika that Chinese Government is set to implement seven multi-million projects in Malawi and provide free and soft loan grants.

CELOM Pleads For Better Pension, Improved Living Conditions For War Veterans

The Commonwealth Ex-Service League of Malawi (CELOM) has expressed its concern over lack of Government commitment to provide enough support to World War Veterans.

The Chairperson for the CELOM, Retired Major General Namwali in his remarks during the inauguration of the 2015 Poppy Day noted lack of Government commitment to support War Veterans in the country.

Namwali made an appeal to President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe that Government ought to consider revising upwards the pensions given to the veterans and ensure that they live in good conditions.

“Pensions must be revisited otherwise we are left in dark. Due poor support our numbers of War Veterans are decreasing due to death which is a result of old age coupled with lack of proper support from government.” He said

Asked in an interview to highlight more, Major General Namwali (Rt) said only War veterans who stayed longer in the war are getting financial support of K2, 500 per month but those who joined late are getting “nothing.” He proposed that the pension be revised to K5, 000 per month because current support is too little.

Namwali, also highlighted that due to lack of proper care coupled with old age, this year alone CELOM has recorded 31 deaths of veterans living in both memorial homes and in their villages. He added that the War veterans for example at Zomba Memorial home are living in poor conditions; in houses which have poor facilities including on sanitation, and with no electricity.

During the meeting with President Mutharika CELOM also appeal for food supplements on maize commodity, inclusion for 2015-2016 Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP), logistical support on the ongoing identification exercise of the veteran solders and inclusion of energetic retired officers into peace keeping missions.

In his response, president Mutharika promised that as Commander In-Chief of Malawi Defense Force, will look into all the concerns and provide the necessary support.

“I have heard what you said about the assistance and some of the things that you have mentioned I am aware of them. We will try our best in my capacity as minister of defense and my deputy, we will do our best to look at the issues that you have mentioned; the issues of FISP, vehicles, pensions and other issues that you have mentioned.” Assured President Mutharika

“I know you are facing a lot of challenges, but it is our obligation to do something for veterans who risked their lives to save us. I would like to invite members of communities to do all they can to contribute, to assist some with assistance whether in form of money and in kind.” He said

At the ceremony, President Peter Mutharika bought a Poppy flower at a value of K1.5 million as one way of supporting the World War Veterans in the country and also appealed to Malawians to support the veterans.

CELOM estimates, indicates up to 500 World War Veterans are still alive in the country as results from its ongoing national wide identification exercise has identified 210 veterans in addition to already known 194 veterans. The exercise expects to identify 150 more veterans in the remaining districts. At the moment there are 15 World War Veterans living in Memorial homes at Cobbe Barracks in Zomba.

Mutharika Wears Expensive Poppy Flower, Drums Support For War Veterans

President Peter Mutharika has in the spirit of showing support for local veterans of World War I and II, bought a Poppy flower at value of K1.5 million as he launch 2015 Poppy Day.

Mutharika was meeting with some retired war veterans at Kamuzu Palace on Monday evening on the occasion of the 2015 Poppy Day Inauguration ceremony.

"Am very glad to buy this Poppy flower today, it must be the most expensive puppy I have ever bought because I have a cheque here of K1.5 million for the poppy" he disclosed at the end of his speech.

The Remembrance Day or Armistice Day (11 November) is commemorated in remembrance of the noble and gallant fallen heroes of the First and Second World Wars fought between 1914 – 1918 and 1939 – 1945. In Malawi the day falls on Sunday of the second week of months of November.

Following this inauguration ceremony, people will wear the 'remembrance' red poppy two weeks prior to the Day and is being sold to raise funds to support all war veterans. Red is a colour of blood and symbolizes sacrifice which also reflected on the colour of Malawian flag. 

"With great delight today I lead Malawians and encourage them to do something in support of the war veterans by buying the poppy flowers." Appealed President Mutharika who is also a Commander In-Chief of the Malawi Defense Force

"The red poppy has been worn since 1921, this implies that we should not take peace for granted because throughout most of the human history, the norm for most of mankind has been resorting to war as a means of solving conflicts which in the end causes human suffering. 

At certain times, war is the price of securing the peace we deserve. We shall therefore remember the fallen heroes who gave their lives to answer the call of peace. Indeed, their names shall always be glorified and their souls shall strengthen our strife for peace." Said 

Mutharika then commend the Commonwealth Ex-Service League of Malawi (CELOM) members and all people of goodwill who have continuously given moral and general support to the war veterans in Malawi

At the beginning of inaugural ceremony, there was Prayer for the Fallen Heroes.

Commonwealth Countries remembers War veterans on 11th November. Poppy wreaths are often laid at war memorials and a minute of silence is observed during Service of remembrance at the eleventh hour of the day as that marks the time when the armistice became effective.