LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under the banner Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has commended President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) for keeping promise by appointing Enock Kamzingeni Chihana as Malawi’s Second Vice president saying the act is in line with the law.

In an interview with The Maravi on Monday, HRCC Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba criticized some of the society including IMF and world bank for contributing towards Chihana’s swearing-in delays while raising concerns given the economic situation of the country.

But Mkwezalamba stated that “As a sovereign state, we are within our mandate to practice what our law allows us to do otherwise these bodies should have first supported the removal of the provision in our constitution so that it should not be utilized”.

“While people may be right to raise the financial implication of the decision, we need to realise that it is provided for in the constitution and that it’s being implemented for the common good”.

He added, “Having been promised a lean cabinet it means the Office of the President has to work diligently hence two vice Presidents and a Minister of State compliments that strength.

“On the other hand the north came out in large numbers to register and they did vote, without promoting regionalism, it may be obvious majority voted DPP because it had not hidden the fact that it had partnered with AFORD, the region has been longing for recognition and one wouldn’t blame them of they found favour in this partnership, as such we have a responsibility and duty to honour their choices and decisions.?”

Mkwezalamba says further, “This why as HRCC, in the spirit of promoting peace, unity and equal representation in matters of state, salutes APM for keeping the campaign promise of getting Aford in government.

“It is one thing to make commitments or promises and another to keep them, hence we need to commend APM for this”.

Mkwezalamba assures, “Our role and duty as CSOs and citizens as well as the international organisations is to monitor the roles and responsibilities that will be assigned to the 2nd Vice President and see if they are working for Malawians.

“If no progress is made, we will get back to APM to scrap the position as he is the only one mandated to appoint or un-appoint anyone to that position”.

He therefore called on Chihana to help APM work and deliver for the people, “While he is the direct beneficiary of the position, it is important to recognize that his appointment is on behalf of his people and in respect of sound democracy governance.

“We applaud Chihana for taking a gamble in withdrawing his candidature as president which indirectly saved resources for MEC and the country given the multitude presidential candidates we had”.

Mkwezalamba observes, “Chihana tdeserves appreciation for being responsible and more importantly leading afford to all elections with great vigor and energy since the denise of his father.

“Chihana has promoted the democratic space and it’s time for him to now deliver as 22nd vice President”.

He however cautioned APM to strongly monitor Chihana and youthful Minister of State Alfred Gangata, “To ensure sanity and that they are not overshadowing the 1st Vice President, because they are all in the same office of President”

“I’ve interacted with Chihana and Gangata as they are proven to be fit for these post to deliver.They need to be checked to ensure that there is sanity in the office of the President.

He added, “This ensuring that the First Vice President Jane Ansah does her job with minimal influence or interference from Chihana and Gangata.

“Their job descriptions should be laid down clearly! Otherwise we remain ready and committed to support and work with them to deliver for the people of Malawi”.

Mutharika is yet to appoint other cabinet ministers including Education, Health, Local Government, Youth and Sports, Natural Resources and Climate, Gender, Homeland Security, Lands, Mines and Energy.

The Maravi Post