The recent boycott by Members of Parliament from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in response to the police executing a court-approved search warrant at former President Lazarus Chakwera’s Lilongwe residence is not only misguided but a blatant abdication of their parliamentary responsibilities.

This act of defiance against lawful state operations undermines the very foundations of Malawi’s democracy and must be met with strong condemnation.

The MCP MPs’ decision to boycott parliamentary proceedings on the pretext of protecting their party leader not only disrespects the rule of law but also disrespects their constituents who elected them to serve with integrity and uphold the country’s democratic processes.

The police, mandated by law and backed by judicial authority, carried out their duty within the confines of the law.

The search warrant, authorized by a court, legitimizes the police action, emphasizing that due process was followed.

It is important to stress that the police were not acting arbitrarily or with political motives; they were enforcing the law as tasked.

To boycott parliamentary sessions because of this lawful act is to equate the execution of justice with political victimization, a dangerous and unfounded narrative that threatens to erode public trust in state institutions.

Members of Parliament are elected to represent the people and to participate in governance, including oversight of the executive and other state organs. Their decision to boycott parliament in protest of a police operation not only disrupts the legislative process but also signals a disregard for the constitutional separation of powers.

The police and the judiciary operate independently of the legislature, and MPs should respect the autonomy of these institutions.

By boycotting, MCP MPs are essentially challenging the legitimacy of the police and judiciary, which is tantamount to challenging the rule of law itself.

Moreover, the suggestion that the former president, Lazarus Chakwera, is immune from investigation or prosecution is fundamentally flawed. No one is above the law, not even a former head of state.

The principle of equality before the law is a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring accountability and justice for all citizens irrespective of their status.

To insinuate that the police action was an attempt to unlawfully target Chakwera is to undermine this principle and to promote a culture of impunity that endangers Malawi’s democratic progress.

The MCP MPs’ boycott also raises serious questions about their commitment to democratic norms and their respect for the parliamentary institution. Parliament is meant to be a forum for debate, policy formulation, and holding the executive accountable through lawful means.

When MPs resort to boycotting sessions as a form of protest against lawful actions, they undermine parliamentary procedures and dilute their responsibilities. Such actions cannot be tolerated if Malawi is to maintain a functional and credible democratic system.

The consequences of this boycott must be clear and firm. MCP MPs who chose to absent themselves without valid justification should be held accountable through the appropriate parliamentary mechanisms. Their daily allowances should be deducted, and their absences formally recorded to reflect their dereliction of duty.

This will send a strong message that parliamentary privileges come with obligations, and failure to perform these duties has tangible repercussions.

Furthermore, political parties must encourage their members to engage constructively within parliamentary processes, even when disagreements arise.

Boycotting parliament as a political weapon erodes democratic institutions and sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts. Constructive engagement, dialogue, and respect for legal processes are essential for Malawi’s political stability and development.

It is also crucial for MCP leadership to reflect on the implications of their MPs’ boycott. Political loyalty should never come at the expense of national interest and democratic integrity.

By condoning or encouraging such actions, the party risks alienating itself from the electorate and damaging its credibility as a responsible political actor. Malawi’s democracy requires leaders who prioritize the rule of law and institutional respect over partisan interests.

The MCP MPs’ boycott of parliamentary sessions following the police’s lawful execution of a search warrant at former President Lazarus Chakwera’s residence is an unacceptable breach of their parliamentary duties. It undermines the rule of law, disrespects independent state institutions, and weakens Malawi’s democratic fabric.

These MPs must be held accountable for their misconduct through deduction of allowances and formal recording of absences. Malawi’s democracy can only thrive when political actors respect the law, uphold parliamentary responsibilities, and engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to boycott as a political tool.

The time has come for MCP MPs to put country above party and demonstrate true commitment to democratic principles.

The Maravi Post