Order! ‘Madam Speaker’ Gotani-Hara promises to be a fair leader in Malawi parliament
The newly-elected Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara has promised that she will be a fair leader and has sought the support of the whole House as she embarks on her five year term as head of the legislative arm of government.
Gotani-Hara, a legsilator for the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), was elected on Wednesday to become a first female speaker in the history of Malawi.
She amassed 97 votes against 93 of Esther Mcheka-Chilenje of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
In her acceptance speech, Gotani Hara appealed for unity amongst Members of Parliament urging them to desist from bringing divisive politics into Parliament business.
“Let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the confidence and trust that you have placed in me. I intend to be fair to all, I therefore seek your support in advance.
“This is a unique opportunity we have been given to serve our nation. Let us resist the partisanship that has taken root in our political landscape,” she said after being sworn in.
Eisenhower Mkaka, MCP lawmaker and party spokesperson, told a local private broadcasting station Zodiak after announcement of the voting results that the party was “ overjoyed” for providing the Speaker and the first woman to hold the post.
“We have shown the nation that we mean business when we talk about unifying the country,” said Mkaka.
“We have confidence in Gotani Hara that she will deliver,” he added.
Mkaka continued: “The victory of Hara as first-ever female speaker of parliament is what every Malawian hoped for. Her election should encourage women that if you invest in girls, they can also become leaders”.
Viwemi Chavula, team leader of the 50-50 campaign, a consortium of civil rights group which campaigns for 50% representation of women in public offices, has described the election of Hara as “a huge achievement for Malawi”.
Chavula said their aim was to increase women’s representation in leadership and decision making positions.
Hara served on several ministerial positions including that of health and gender under Malawi’s first women president Joyce Banda.
The 193-seat parliament was dissolved in March this year ahead of fresh elections on May 21.
There is hope that Gotani will ensure the legislative power be with committees and rank-and-file members.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
Congratulations Catherine
Hear! Hear!, Hear! Madam Speaker, mukasamale ku dinner komwe mukupita mawa pa 21st June ku State House, akozekera kukuchita zoopsya, Nonse omwe mwasankhidwa pa u Speaker, musamale madyedwe anu akuchitani za a Mbendera. DPP ndi chipani chambanda. They are not happy with the outcome of the Speaker Elections. Ichi ndi chizindikiro choti anthu DPP Tippex Government sakuyifuna olo pang’ono. Akanakhala kuti ndi Jane Tippex Ansah amapangitsa zisankho, zikanayenda motere: Voters – 190: Esther Chilenje – 253; Catherine Hara 97; Null and Void 15; Madando 147, kkkkkkkkkk
Akumba nsewu ku Kasiya ndi a DPP, kodi anapha anthu mu ulamuliro wa chipani chimodzi anali a DPP? Mtima wa chinyau ndiomwe ukukupangisani zimenezo. MCP member supporters have shown that they are tribal in their dealings. Kodi munamva kuti Ku Blantyre akumba nseu umene anamanga Kamuzu? That’s the reason why mumazipaka manyi nkumavina…how can a normal person do that?
very shallow thinking. you are the kind of people who imagine things and post to give the impression that they are real. Grow up otherwise you will divide the country. if you have nothing to say, then say nothing at all. Stupid.
Madam Speaker, Congratulations! Make the nation proud.
Why is the book that the Lawyer holding have a blue cover? That is a Government property and must not have a colour affiliated to any political party other than the national colours. This is one of the things the new MPs must fight for – removing partisan politics on national issues. The same should apply in removing the blue covers on the chairs in the national assembly. Let there be neutral colours, we don’t mind black or red. We rejected this in 1999 when Muluzi wanted to add yellow to our national flag.
SIGNS THAT DPP IS SLOWLY FALLING DOWN AS UDF DID ARE BECOMING VERY CLEAR.CHOOSING A VERY WEAK VICE PRESIDENT AT THE TIME WHEN THE PRESIDENT IS TIRED AND ON HIS LAST TERM, BEING DEFEATED ON THIS KEY PARLIAMENTARY POSITION OF SPEAKER IS ANOTHER STRONG INDICATOR OF A VERY WEAK RULING PARTY.
They are a majority in the house. Doesn’t that make them strong? Be sober man and analyse better.
Yes, DPP are a majority and I think Vyoto’s point is that if that is a sign of strength then why didn’t they clinch the Speaker’s position, which traditionally goes to the party that has numbers in Parliament, which in this case and as you rightly put it, is the DPP??? That alone should tell you that DPP is not as strong as their numbers suggest!! You are the one lacking skills in analysis here Mr Comex…
I have little hope that Madam Speaker will deliver any meaningful change to our August House. Vuto lili ndi atumbuka ambiri ndi kusankhana mitundu. Ku DFID komwe kunali amayiwa kunadzadza atumbuka okhaokha. Pomatha term yawo ya u sipikala, ku parliament kudzadzanso akwithu. I wish things were different but that is the sad reality of our country.
Alomwe. you are tribalistic don’t lie that you love others like chewas. that’s how you will end
point of correction am chewa
Do you love alhomwe yourself? Simukuwaphwanyira galimoto Ku dowa ndi ku Lilongwe uku nkumayakhula nimuti azipita kwawo kaamba kovotela DPP? Chewas are worse than tumbukas and lhomwes. Your character cannot be hidden though you have been out of power for 25 years. Ntima wa chidambwe unakudyani
Do not generalise. if you feel like that towards alomhwe, osapaka maganizo auchitsiru as if you are a mind reader. we need to desist from this habit of nepotism, like what you are advancing.
That is what you always think you stupid Lhomwes about tribalism remarks
I do not think Parliament has atumbuka okhaokha. MPs are a representative cutting across the tribal divide. Do not be afraid Dr in CPT.