Call for Malawi federalism should not be dismissed -MCP

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is encouraging the debate on issues of national importance such as federalism.

MCP through its president Lazarus Chakwera told reporters in Lilongwe on Thursday, that some sections of the society calls for the adoption of a system that would guarantee development as a right for all Malawians, not a reward for those who belong to the party in power.

Chakwera said the calls for the adoption of a federal system of government may not be the solution but said such calls should not be dismissed lightly, “for they are a symptom of a disease namely the politicization of development and resources.”

He said citizens should be left to debate federalism issue freely.

“Both the strength and survival of our democracy depend on our ability to debate such matters with civility and openness,” said Chakwera.

He asked the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) to release a report of the consultations and debate it facilitated on the topic.

“We acknowledge the steps taken by Public Affairs Committee in initiating interaction, understanding and analysis of the matter. We also acknowledge that the President has said that Malawians should debate the issue.

“There is however an urgent need for a timeline or the structure that that debate should take. We expect that this issue will be addressed urgently, fully and with the objectivity and sensitivity it deserves,” said Chakwera.

According to PAC executive director Robert Phiri said the federalism debate would resume in April.
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