Online Reporter
LILONGWE. – Malawi’s 2019-2025 Parliament has been dissolved ahead of the Sept. 16 general elections, which will usher in a president, parliamentarians, and local government leaders for the 2025-2030 term.
Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara made the announcement on Wednesday, noting that the dissolution is a constitutional requirement in a year when general elections are pending.
According to the speaker, all operations of the National Assembly involving members of parliament, including legislation, oversight, and representation, have ceased following the dissolution.
However, Hara has indicated the possibility of reconvening the National Assembly under particular circumstances, as stipulated in the country’s Constitution.
The speaker said in a statement that if the president deems a constitutional crisis or emergency has arisen between the dissolution of the National Assembly and the general elections, he may reconvene the parliament solely for that purpose.
At least 20 presidential candidates are expected to present their nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission from July 24 to 30. They include incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the governing Malawi Congress Party. – Xinhua
