MCP elects Lowe as new leader of opposition to replace Chakwera: Hara now Chief Whip
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has elected Lilongwe Rural Central member of Parliament Robin Lowe as a replacement for the party president Reverend Lazarus Chakwera who resigned from his position to contest as presidential candidate in the upcoming May 21 election in line with constitutional order.
A communique signed by MCP publicist, Maurice Munthali, said Chakwera’s resignation was also “in line with the 5th Pillar of the Chakwera Hi5.”
Parliamentary Standing Orders indicate that the opposition party with the highest number of MPs contributes a leader of opposition.
MCP said it has “settled for Lowe among the many senior, able and deserving Members of Parliament having been guided by and in compliance with the Parliamentary laws as well as Standing Orders.”
He was picked after an election of MCP legislators in a three horse race.
Lowe won with 11 votes against 9 of Mzimba Solora MP Jacob Hara. Dedza East MP Juliana Lunguzi came third with 3 votes.
According to the communique, Jacob Hara and Clement Mlombwa are the Chief Whip and Deputy Whip in Parliament respectively.
MCP asked parties represented in parliament to endorse Lowe’s appointment.
“It is our hope that all parties represented in Parliament will endorse his appointment and work with him closely for the success of the parliamentary business and for the good of our nation.
“As a Party, we will render our necessary and unequivocal support to Hon Lobin Lowe in the course of discharging his duties as a Leader of Opposition on behalf of the MCP President, entire Malawi Congress Party and the larger opposition family from now until the dissolution of the National Assembly,” the communique reads.
Lowe is expected to take charge to his new title next week when parliament opens for mid-term budget review which is the last cohorts for this five year term ahead of May 21 elections.
He will not receive any terminal benefits accrued to the Leader of Opposition because he will be in office for less than 21 days, according to Clerk of Parliament Fiona Kalemba.
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2019 Tripartite elections we should expect more wonders and those we term are powerful wont succeed. Ask me after May 21st
You thought they would elect someone outside Central Region? Mwauponda. This is the Party with the highest Nepotism and Regionalism. Try put them in power and see what will happen. Tsekula mmaso Malawi. Fortunately they will remain in Opposition till Jesus Christ come again.
spot on my bro.
Eti atumbuka a chi na Mkandawire, munthali kududuluka konse kuja? Nothing for the North in MCP up to now?
Some times accept democracy to take its course…
Lowe was not appointed but duly elected with clear transparency without fear or favour
All the reporting just for a leader of opposition.
Whatever happened to 50-50’campaign? Mpakana 3 votes for Julie?
This proves that you don’t have to be bright to be a Member of Parliament in Malawi. How can Julie Lunguzi get only 3 votes? Is this a sign of what is to come?
Conglatulations my brother Hon Lowe.
Any way ..THERE WE GO..!!……as far as democracy was practised…with clear transparency…. We have nothing but to accept and support LOWE……LOWE YEMWEYO………
Juliana Lunguzi ended 3. As brilliant as she is.
Mebbe it just confirms that some of these movements are only on whatsapp and Facebook. …..
When idiots form the majority, one of the idiots always win the elections. Welcome to banana republic.
It’s not about brilliance but leadership…please take good note. Leadership has several attributes
Brilliant is not being vocal