Banda hails peaceful transition of power.

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda has commended former President Lazarus MacCathy Chakwera for ensuring a peaceful and smooth transition of power following the September 16 general elections.

Speaking on Wednesday 5th November 2025 at Parliament, Banda said the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) demonstrated true patriotism by placing the interests of the country above partisan politics during the handover process.

He also expressed gratitude to the MCP president and the party’s Members of Parliament for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as Leader of Opposition.

Banda assured the Speaker of Parliament that he will discharge his duties diligently, professionally and without political interference in the spirit of advancing national interests.

Turning to economic matters, Banda questioned the government’s decision to abolish the government to government (G-to-G) fuel procurement arrangement in favor of an open tender system.

He argued that under the G-to-G arrangement, Malawians paid only 62 dollars per metric tonne compared to the current 208 dollars per metric tonne through the open tender system, describing the shift as costly and insensitive given the prevailing economic hardships.

The Leader of Opposition further criticized the government’s decision to import maize from Zambia at a higher price when Malawi has sufficient maize stocks from local mega farmers available at lower cost.

According to Banda, it is surprising that the government continues to opt for expensive imports instead of empowering local producers and supporting domestic food security.

He also raised concerns about the Executive Arm of Government overexercising its authority by making appointments to positions that legally require open advertisement.

Banda questioned how the government intends to make economic progress within the framework of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Credit Facility, alleging that the agreement may include conditions that freeze youth employment and other public opportunities.

He also questioned the recent arrests of 15 people, describing the situation as suspicious and raising concerns that the accused are being mistreated, thereby wondering whether Malawi is turning into a police state.

Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha, however, stood on a Point of Order, challenging Banda to present evidence of any signed agreement with the IMF that restricts youth employment.

Mwanamvekha argued that it was ironic for Banda to criticize the IMF arrangement now, claiming that during his time in office he ‘ran away’ from engaging with the international lender.

Following Mwanamvekha’s request, Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman directed Chithyola Banda to provide concrete evidence of the alleged IMF agreement by tomorrow afternoon.

In response, Zomba Malosa legislator Grace Kwelepeta criticized Banda’s sympathy toward the arrested individuals, reminding the House that some of them had previously deflated her vehicle’s tyres at Parliament without facing consequences.