Mutharika meets opposition leaders over Section 65

Mutharika has finally swallowed his pride to avert the country plunging into crisis

Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutharika has called for a crisis meeting this morning (Wednesday) with leaders of the opposition parties in Parliament in an attempt to find a lasting solution to the contentious Section 65.

Nyasa Times sources indicate that the meeting started at around 09:00 am at the New State House, which also houses the National Assembly, in Lilongwe.

According to our source, the crisis meeting which was initiated by Mutharika is aimed at ironing out differences that have risen following the yesterday's infamous determination by the Speaker of the House Louis Chimango that he cannot act on Section 65 because his hands are still tied.

The development led to the premature adjournment of the House as the opposition was not ready to proceed with business. The House is scheduled to resume this afternoon.

Initially, Chimango said he would meet leaders of the opposition parties represented in Parliament this morning (Wednesday) for the way forward before the House reconvenes at 14:00 hours.

Leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the National Assembly Dr George nga Mtafu said on Monday the opposition parties were willing to enter into fresh dialogue with government following the political impasse but their counterparts have not been forthcoming.

The current parliamentary impasse led to failure by the House to debate a bill that seeks Parliament to authorize government to borrow money for per-urban water development projects.