Opposition take Goodall to task over failed by-elections

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe was on Tuesday kept on his feet in parliament as the opposition bombarded him with questions as to why the government is failing to get K300 million for holding by-elections.

Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe with opposiiton leader Chakwera

Lilongwe north east MP Peter Chakhwantha asked the minister the question under emergency questions category.

However, Gondwe told the House that Treasury could not release the money because the Malawi Electoral Commission has used all the K1 billion budgeted for by-elections for other purposes.

“Treasury is barred by the Constitution from using resources for extra budgetary. We ought to be careful on how we use money. The K1 billion we provided MEC was used for other purposes by the Malawi Electoral Commission,” said Gondwe.

He therefore said the government can provide the K300 million for the by-elections as soon as the budget is passed which would be the first week of July.

Gondwe all the same apologised to the House on behalf of government for the failure to hold the by-elections.

Dowa east MP told Gondwe that he did not have powers to change the Constitution which provides that a by-election be undertaken 60 days after a constituency falls vacant.

Gondwe however says he follows the Republican Constitution faithfully reads it more often probably more than members from the government side.

Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera said he did not understand how the tax collector, the Malawi Revenue Authority could not collect a mere K300 million.

Chakwera therefore suggested that Gondwe should always consult the Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya before making unilateral decision to cancel a by-election.

The Malawi Electoral Commission is supposed to hold the by-elections in Lilongwe Msozi north and Lilongwe City south east constituencies and Mayani north in Dedza and Msiriza ward in Lilongwe local government by-elections.

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Markmarkc
6 years ago

Muzaona kuwawa kwake kokhala opanda MP wanuyoso akazafa

Banda
Banda
6 years ago

Nchifukwa chani anthu mumadana ndi chilungamo,the constitution is clear that within 60 days elections has to take place if there is a vacant seat so why blaming Chakwera?

Maunits
Maunits
6 years ago

We need by-elections now. DPP will no that we dont want them anymore in this country.

DOBO
DOBO
6 years ago

I think the leader of oppossion was right to brimg the consultation issue to the attention of our minister of finance concerning the failed by-elections.In this case the speaker as head of Parliament is of stakeholders to be consulted for one simple reason.Parliament is there to make laws and amend a constitution where necessary rather breaking it.The issue of failed by-elections with 60 days is of constitutional matter which can be amended by Parliement to prevent farther breaking the law which is the castodian of norms of any society.You may hate Chakwera as person but the issue of laws is… Read more »

JJB
JJB
6 years ago
Reply to  DOBO

Dobo, the same constitution prohibits the ministry of finance to fund the same thing twice. You don’t even mention the fact that MK1bilion was given to cover by-elections, and was used for something else.

How long does it take to amend a constitution?

Sometimes argue within the facts given, not on political expedience

Pp litete
Pp litete
6 years ago

Ingolimbani mtima to wait for 2018 elections. I thought ma area amenewo muli ma councillors? Basi azigwila ntchito ndiomwewo and that 300 million should go to irrigation and hospital s..or tipange ma by-election s tiphulanji ndiaphunguwo oti nawo angofikila kulikawa boma vingongole ..only for people who love our country

mmc
mmc
6 years ago

thats pathetic from the leader of opposition azasamala chuma cha boma awa crazy,,,,,,kkkk

Ajmal
Ajmal
6 years ago

mr chakwera plz consult ur legal counsel before commeting . speaker has no power to discuss anything concerning postponement of by election.
indeed nzowawa zomwe mec inachita. and u HV said why MRA failed to raise 300 million, the is even if MRA had cash totaling to 500 million. that money could not be dispersed any how.{before parliament approval}. musamatichitise manyazi professor chakwera. we love u . One Malawi one people.

remember tilingati mu stima . ikamira sitimayi tidzamira tonse. let’s love our nation

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