By Jones Gadama
Stakeholders in Malawi are calling for a review of the laws guiding the election of the Speaker of Parliament, sparking a heated debate about the role of lawmakers in electing the country’s parliamentary leader.
The current law, as outlined in Section 56(1) of the Constitution, allows lawmakers to elect the Speaker from among themselves or from outside the House.
Sameer Suleiman, MP for Blantyre South East, is one of the key proponents of changing this law.
In a recent interview with this online publication Suleiman expressed his dismay over the current status quo, alleging that it has promoted favoritism in the manner business is conducted in the House. According to Suleiman, the Speaker should be elected from a list of names of individuals who are not members of Parliament.
“The current system has led to favoritism and biased decision-making,” Suleiman argued. “We need a Speaker who is impartial and can make decisions without being influenced by personal interests or party loyalty,” he added.
On the other hand, Aloisious Nthenda, a democracy advocate, holds a different view.
Nthenda believes that the Speaker should be elected from among the lawmakers themselves, provided they demonstrate impartiality.
“We need a Speaker who understands the inner workings of Parliament and can make decisions that benefit the country as a whole,” Nthenda said.
The debate over the election of the Speaker is not unique to Malawi. In South Africa, for instance, the role of the Speaker in managing the National Assembly has been a subject of controversy.
A study on the role of the Speaker in South Africa’s democratic dispensation concluded that the Speaker plays a crucial role in ensuring order and recommended embracing a system where the Speaker is independent.
For an external Speaker, the benefits include independence, a fresh perspective, and reduced conflict of interest.
An external Speaker would bring independence and impartiality to the role, free from party loyalty and personal interests.
A Speaker from outside Parliament could bring a fresh perspective to the role, unencumbered by party politics.
An external Speaker would be less likely to have conflicts of interest, allowing for more objective decision-making.
On the other hand, electing a Speaker from among lawmakers has its own advantages.
A Speaker elected from among lawmakers would have a deep understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures.
A Speaker who is a lawmaker would be accountable to their peers and the public, ensuring transparency and accountability.
A Speaker from among lawmakers would understand the importance of party loyalty and could navigate complex party dynamics.
As the debate over the election of the Speaker continues, it is clear that there are valid arguments on both sides.
Ultimately, the decision on who should elect the Speaker and what qualities they should possess will depend on the values and priorities of the Malawian people.
One thing is certain, however: the role of the Speaker is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament and upholding the principles of democracy.
As such, it is essential that the laws guiding the election of the Speaker are carefully considered and reflect the will of the people.
The call for a review of the laws guiding the election of the Speaker of Parliament is a timely and important debate.
As stakeholders continue to weigh in on the issue, it is essential that the views of all parties are heard and considered.
By engaging in a thoughtful and inclusive discussion, Malawi can ensure that its parliamentary leadership is effective, impartial, and accountable to the people.
