Malawi veep not being estranged anymore: Chilima proper second-in-command
Malawi government protocol on Tuesday ensured Vice-President Saulos Chilima was properly recognised on protocol list to see off President Lazarus Chakwera to Zambia and was seen dismissing the military parade at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) as proper second-in-command unlike in the past when he was estranged.
While serving as veep during the former president Peter Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led government, Chilima was estranged when he expressed intent to challenge Mutharika in the presidential race in the 2019 Tripartite Elections.
During Mutharika’s time, Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) was sidelining Chilima on government protocol lists despite being a Constitutional Office as the veep.
But on Tuesday, the Vice-President who self-drove to and from the airport, a departure from the norm where vice-presidents are usually chauffeur-driven, was addressed first followed on protocol list by other heads of government agencies, including the Speaker, Chief Justice followed by Cabinet ministers and other government officials.
“Apparently it shows that Chakwera seems to be determined to honour his campaign pledge of ensuring that the Vice President is not being estranged anymore but accord the office the respect and support it deserves,” commented governance expert Makhumbo Munthali to Nyasa Times.
He said President Chakwera wants to prove his critics wrong including his predecessors that “it is possible for the President and his Vice to work together irrespective of their diversity.”
Said Munthali: “At the same time, you are seeing a Vice President who seems determined to support the President to deliver the campaign promises.”
Chakwera partnered with Chilima for presidency in the fresh presidential polls and supported by other seven political parties, they dislodged DPP candidate Mutharika, making him a one-term president.
Section 79 of the Constitution says a Vice-President is elected alongside the President and “shall assist the President and who shall exercise the powers and functions conferred on the First Vice-President…by this Constitution or by any Act of Parliament and by the President.”
Historically, there has been tension between Malawian Presidents and their Vice-Presidents predominantly over issues bordering on succession.
The Zambia day-return trip was Chakwera’s first foreign visit since assuming office 86 days ago.
At the airport, the old tradition was observed where the President was seen off and welcomed by political party supporters, most of whom defied Covid-19 guidelines such as social distancing and wearing of masks. Chiefs and several ministers were there, too, business as usual.
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Nanu inu mwalawilira. It is too early to judge. Chilima and APM fell out in 2018, three years after they won and now LMC and SKC pair is just three months old mwayamba kuwombera mmanja. Shame.
Wait for 2023, muzalembenso zimenezi
Sorry to disappoint MCP and Chakwera supporters but the by-elections are going to be a big big win for SKC and UTM. By 2025 half or more of MP’s will be UTM.
Let us wait. Let us see who is mightier MCP or UTM. This byelectios are a test of strength. If MCP looses than Laz Chakwera is less popular than SKC. Maybe even Autuple. Let us wait not too long to go.
This is only 3 months into the Govt. Its too early……
When it comes to you do not say “its too early”
It’s not only the president to treat his vice with dignity. The vice should also know that his actions should be in line with the expectations of the president. He should not try to outdo or outsmart his boss. Chilima is one person who wants to show that he is the best in this country. It’s that type of attitude that will bring him down again. If it happens again people will now conclude that the problem is not presidents but him.
This is good development indeed. My worry is on security detail. when driven it does not mean one can not drive; but a security protocol. Can we stop this market leadership.
Do you fear DPP might do something bad?
too early to say that. even during the first days of Peter/Chilima relationship, Chilima was taking the mantle when Peter went outside country. Relationships of president/vice has always been cordial first 2 years but come third year, they start separating. so lets wait till third year to judge.
But Bingu/Cassim was shaky in less than 15 months of their being in office. However, I agree that APM/SKC started on a very good footing, until the “atidyenawo” brought a wedge between the two compounded by the power play then. Can these two LMC/SKC prove the narrative different?
Well done Mr. President and your vise. zimenezo ndizomwe tinkafuna. koma izozo zomakadzadzana ku airport-zo apulezidenti akamapita komaso akamabwera kunja zitathaso bwa? Few government officials and the vise president can escort the president but not the whole qoir. its posible guys, we can change things and develop this nation. I am happy with how the president has begun. So far so good
too early, wait 2024
Ma cadet, simunati mulira, you wish this relationship fails, mukhaula.
Please be rational ma cadet a Tonse Alliance. It’s just very early to start speaking like that. Hahahaha. You think APM and SKC anayamba bwanji. It was even sweet then until later when the power play matured. We just telling u kuti it’s too early not that we want them to fight nooo.
Ma so called analyst who really arent objective analysts
Koma DPP unali ukapolo. These guys are supposed to be partners in development. The APM / Chimulilenji picture clearly smacks act of ‘worshiping’ the master
Far, Far too early to reach this conclusion. Crazy to do this now MCP would not behaving as Malawi Young Pioneers, in Karonga Central. By the time the by elections are finish and winners declared further dents in the relations between Chakwera and SKC will be there for us all to see. Forward with UTM.
It will not happen, leave these 2cs please. misala mwayambayi ndiye mutha nonsetu udwala.
Wait until your Chakwera and MCP get defeated in Mangochi and Karonga by elections. UTM is rising and raising fact SKC is far more popular than Chakwera new voted for Tonse because of Chakwera
it will not happen no matter how much you pray to your SATAN
Hahahahaha too early to call.
Opposition simasewelatu, umatsutsa kalikonse, wwe know these things we have been there too!! koma osadandaula mukhala bwino, ngati mkothekatu.
Who does not know that second in command is Mia.
Bodza ili, we know Chilima, inu Mia mwamupeza poti pano. we know your picture is the one on top of these 2Cs.
Mukhaula ndipo simunati, mulira nywe nywe nywe nywe!
INU A SNIPER IZI ZA TEMPORARY KKK.Do you Chilima iweyooo.Ohoooo.The guy is a gas machine bambo oononga ubale ndiwina ali yese kkk.Lindani madzi apite muziti mwadala.Ku Chilinde msonkhano wa UTM anachita kunena kuti Tonse Alliance ndiyama President osati ife otsatila kkkk