Malawi to go federal by 2019 –MP Chihana

Alliance for Democracy (Aford) president Enock Chakufwa Chihana, MP has said Malawi will adopt federal system of government by 2019, adding that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) resistance will not hamper the pursuit.

Chihana, also legislator for Rumphi Central, told Nyasa Times that the DPP government’s endeavours to delay federalism will not stop it from being adopted .

“They’re showing resistance to adopt the system; but, let me challenge them that the federal system will be implemented,” said Chihana adding that “the DPP government will not go beyond 2019.”

Malawians, he said, were fed up with the “now unpopular unitary current system of government.”

During the many tours to the north, President Peter Mutharika has emphasized on the need for the people to discuss the matter over thoroughly.

A horde of pressure groups have mushroomed since the propagation of the issue by legislator Rev. Christopher Mzomera Ngwira in parliament early in 2014.

In 2014 feathers were ruffled when Vuwa Kaunda, presidential adviser on National Unity and Parliamentary Affairs, gave money hand-outs to several chiefs in the north during ‘shady’ visits. It was alleged that Kaunda’s hand-outs were poised to seduce the chiefs to speak against federalism.

“They may bribe the chiefs but that will not stop people from expressing their views on the matter,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aford has said that it will embark on massive sensitization campaigns on the system across the northern region to enable people have adequate knowledge about federalism and make informed decisions on the matter.

“We shall start with the north and proceed to the central and southern regions,” Chihana said. “Most of our colleagues (parliamentarians) in the central region also support the idea and that is very encouraging.”