LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The orientation programme for Members of Parliament-elect has entered its third day at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, aimed at equipping legislators with vital knowledge and skills for their upcoming roles.
However, the session was overshadowed by notable signs of distraction and lack of engagement from some elected members of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Presenters at the orientation expressed disappointment as several MCP members appeared more engrossed in their phones than the important presentations being delivered. Among those frequently seen distracted were Richard Chimwendo Banda, Moses Kunkuyu, and Vitumbiko Mumba.
This behavior has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from both facilitators and political observers alike.
Our investigation reveals that these senior MCP members appeared disengaged, seemingly unable to adjust to their new roles outside government.
Their inattentiveness during the session, which focused on “Optimising the Impact of Parliament through Evidence-Informed Legislation and Oversight Functions,” has been described as shameful and disrespectful to the institution they are set to serve.
The orientation programme boasts a robust agenda with presentations from leading experts.
Ms. Velia Manyonga, Head of Parliament Library and Research, alongside Dr. Eliya Msiyaphazi Zulu, Executive Director of the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), led the pivotal session on evidence-informed legislation.
Other notable sessions included Professor Edrinnie Elizabeth Kayambazinthu from the University of Malawi, who covered techniques for confident speech delivery and structuring arguments, as well as a joint presentation by Mr. Louis Loti and Dr. Winford Masanjala on budgeting and financial oversight.
Political analyst Mathews Namukhoyo condemned the MCP members’ apparent lack of seriousness, stating that the party remains in denial over its electoral defeat.
Namukhoyo emphasized that as representatives of the people, MCP legislators must demonstrate commitment and dedication to their parliamentary responsibilities.
The orientation programme continues with hopes that all members, regardless of party allegiance, will engage fully and prepare adequately to serve Malawi’s democratic processes effectively.
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