BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s opposition parties, the United Transformation Movement (UTM) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), have strongly condemned the mistreatment of State Vice President Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah, citing a systematic degradation of her office and a threat to constitutional order.
In a joint outcry, the parties highlighted a pattern of underfunding, withdrawal of security, and public humiliation of Dr. Ansah, who was elected alongside President Arthur Peter Mutharika on the same ticket.
The UDF described the actions as a “direct violation of the Constitution,” while UTM warned that any individual or group undermining the Vice President would be held accountable.
The controversy stems from recent incidents, including the prevention of Dr. Ansah from seeing off President Mutharika at the airport, a standard protocol when the President travels.
The Chief Secretary irregularly assumed this role, sparking concerns of constitutional breaches.
The parties are calling on President Mutharika to guarantee a safe environment for Dr. Ansah to perform her duties and urged all Malawians to defend the Constitution.
The UDF emphasized that the Constitution is “not an ornament” and will be defended, citing the party’s role in bringing multiparty democracy to Malawi in 1994.
The mistreatment of Dr. Ansah is not an isolated incident, with previous Vice Presidents, including Dr. Cassim Chilumpha, Dr. Joyce Banda, and Dr. Saulos Chilima, facing similar treatment.
The parties are urging national institutions and citizens to stand against this erosion of constitutional order.