MCP’s Msowoya elected Speaker of Malawi Parliament
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) first vice president Richard Msowoya has been elected Speaker of Malawi Parliament.
Msowoya was elected by Members of Parliament after beating Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) MP for Nsanje Central, Francis Kasaila in a secret ballot by 191 voter and one null and void vote.
According to the results, Msowoya polled 101 votes against Kasaila’s 89 votes, in an election held in Parliament Monday afternoon.
Clerk of the National Assembly Roosevelt Gondwe who was the returning Officer, declared the Msowoya duly elected as Head of the National Assembly.
MCP lawmakers erupted in a song “Msowoya ndi boma!” and then “Wakwiya ndo mfiti!”
The house broke out into ululations when the Clerk made the announcement.
MCP MP Vitus Dzoole Mwale proposed the name of Msowoya, 52 MP for Karonga Nyungwe and suggested that the MCP vice president should be elected Speaker to balance power between the regions of Malawi.
Mwale said the country’s president Peter Mutharika who is the head of the executive branch of Malawi government hails from the Southern region, Chief Justice Anastansi Msosa – head of Judiciary – is from Southern Region and said it would be proper that Msowoya, who hails from Northern region be voted as Speaker.
He that there was need to elect someone who is familiar with rules of the House.
Msowoya holds a Masters degree in Supply Chain Management and has worked in various capacities locally and internationally.
He has also served as Deputy Minister of Education and Minister of State.
Msowoya was also running mate to MCP presidential candidate Lazarus Chakwera which further elevated his status on the political arena.
Chiradzulu East DPP MP Henry Mussa proposed Kasaila.
Mussa said Kasaila needs no introduction especially to those who have been in Parliament before “but for the sake of the new MPs” ge described him as an accomplished and self-made man who is never moved by emotions or derailed when going gets tough.
Kasaila has also served as deputy Minister of Transport soon after DPP was re-elected into power in 2009.
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