LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s social rights group Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 questions Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse administration on continual of selective justice in running the affairs of the state.
CDEDI cited closing of boarders after Labour Minister Ken Kandodo was on Monday, December 21, 2020 diagnosed with Covid-19.
Kandodo is a nephew to Malawi Congress Party (MCP) founder Dr Kamuzu Banda, the party which is the main shareholder in Tonse administration.
In brief statement made available to The Maravi Post, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa cautioned the Tonse Alliance Government to desist from the trial and error kind of administration in the way they are governing the country.
“CDEDI and indeed all well meaning Malawians questions President Dr. Lazurus Chakwera’s decision to close the borders for the next fourteen days, following the news that cabinet minister has tested positive for COVID-19.
“This is another clear case of selective application of justice. Covid-19 cases have been steadily increasing but government waited until a minister was admitted to a hospital for them to act”, says Namiwa.
He added, “Secondly, by closing the borders government is sending a signal that we as a country do not have the capacity to screen the entrants. On the other hand the closure of the borders means a loss in business and revenue.
“Thirdly, the decision also exposes inconsistency in policy direction since the education ministry announced that the cancelled Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations will be re-administered from December 26, 2020”.
Namiwa charges, “Fourthly, the decision shows the total disregard for consultations on matters of national importance, a complete departure from the Tonse philosophy since the task force team could have consulted relevant stakeholders before making such hasty decisions.
“CDEDI is strongly advising government to embrace the spirit of thorough consultations, and to refrain from the shameful trial and error system of administration”.
As of December 20, 2020 Malawi had recorded total of 6,202 cases including 187 deaths. Of these cases, 1,275 are imported infections and 4,927 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 5,664 cases have now recovered.
