NAP hopes dawn of new era for Malawi’s parliament

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has congratulated Sameer Suleman, Member of Parliament, on his election as Speaker of the National Assembly, describing his victory as a “defining moment in Malawi’s democratic evolution.”

The statement was jointly signed by NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and National Coordinator Baxton Nkhoma, who both hailed the development as a milestone for Malawi’s parliamentary democracy.

In the statement released on Thursday, October 30, 2025, NAP said Suleman’s election on October 29 signifies the strength of parliamentary autonomy and the power of the secret ballot in shaping the leadership of Malawi’s legislative arm.

The platform emphasized that his triumph represents both political maturity and the collective will of the House to reassert Parliament’s central role in governance, accountability and nation-building.

“His victory marks a defining moment in Malawi’s democratic evolution a testament to the autonomy of Parliament and the enduring power of the secret ballot,” the statement reads.

“While his election was the product of keen political strategy and shifting alliances, it ultimately reflects the free will of the House,” Kondowe added in the statement added.

NAP highlighted Suleman’s long-standing courage and commitment to public service, recalling his tenure as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Food Security.

During that time, Suleman became known for speaking out on behalf of farmers and the hungry, even when it meant confronting the establishment.

“He stood firmly with Malawians in times of hunger, championed farmers whose livelihoods were under threat, and raised his voice when many chose silence,” NAP said.

According to NAP, Suleman’s leadership qualities characterized by firmness, fairness and humility will now be tested as he transitions from being a vocal legislator to a unifying Speaker.

The platform urged him to uphold Parliament’s dignity and independence, guiding the House with integrity and restraint.

The organization further called upon all Members of Parliament to put aside political differences and rally behind the new Speaker.

“The time for campaigning is over.Now is the time to govern, to serve, and to deliver. Malawi has only one Parliament and one nation we all call home.”NAP said

NAP emphasized that Suleman’s success as Speaker will not be judged by how well he serves the ruling party, but by how faithfully he upholds the authority and credibility of Parliament as a national institution.

The platform urged lawmakers to embrace unity, integrity and purpose, saying that by doing so, the current Parliament could become “a platform of renewal where oversight is strong, debate is principled and legislation reflects the will and welfare of the people.”

NAP expressed optimism that Suleman’s leadership could usher in a new era of democratic accountability and public trust.


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Mutharika appoints Jappie Mhango as Leader of Malawi Parliament

Jappie Mhango
Jappie Mhango

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Arthur Peter Mutharika has appointed Jappie Mhango as Leader of the House.

The appointment is with immediate effect.

President Mutharika’s spokesperson Cathy Maulidi has confirmed the development.

The appointment comes barely hours after Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Sameer Suleman was elected as The Speaker of Malawi Parliament whereby Victor Musowa and Esther Jolobala were voted as First and Second Deputy Speakers respectively

The appointment marks a significant political move within the Democratic Progressive Party, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen party coordination and influence in Parliament.

Jappie Mhango, a seasoned politician and former Cabinet Minister, brings extensive experience and a firm grasp of parliamentary procedures to the role.

His appointment is expected to enhance the DPP’s strategic positioning in the National Assembly, particularly in fostering cooperation and advancing legislative priorities.

As Leader of the House, Mhango will be responsible for steering government business in Parliament, managing debates, and ensuring smooth communication between the executive and legislative branches.

Political observers note that this appointment could be part of President Mutharika’s broader plan to reorganize the party’s leadership structure ahead of the next general elections.

It also underscores Mutharika’s confidence in Mhango’s leadership abilities and his commitment to ensuring the party remains cohesive and proactive in national affairs.

The appointment has been met with congratulations from party members and supporters, many of whom view it as a step toward strengthening DPP’s presence and influence in Malawi’s political landscape.


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The defeated MCP Peter Dimba, didn’t he study the parliamentary numbers?

Peter Dimba was the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate for the position of Speaker and he is a graduate from the then Malawi Polytechnic.

From the member of parliament who moved the motion for his speakership, Dimba holds a master’s degree in accounting from a reputable academic institution.

Additionally , Dimba has been the chair of Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament for three parliamentary cohorts before he was appointed to the position of a cabinet minister.

Interestingly, Dimba is unanimously known to be level headed, calm, composed, mature, thoughtful and calculative.

On the other hand, the current speaker of the National Assembly, Sameer Suleman was allegedly kicked out of Football Association of Malawi because he did not have a Malawi School Certificate of Education.

Moreover, critics surmise that he has questionable and unpredictable character and behaviour.

It still remains unearthed if this unpredictability of his behavior contributed to the victory of his speakership.

In a dramatic lane of events, Suleman was usually suspended from parliament because of his unbecoming behavior, which includes fighting with other legislators in the Chamber in front of cameras.

It is exciting that today marks a historic event when the former speaker of the National Assembly, Gotani Hara, had a cordial handshake with Sameer signifying a commute of congratulatory message.

The truth of the matter is that numbers matter a lot in the National Assembly.

Being all elected as members of parliamentary, strategising separated Suleiman from Dimba.

On the other front, it is being debated that DPP is a system as it featured 3 DPP candidates for the position of a speaker with Suleiman emerging as a victor and others getting a zero vote.

It is against this background that Kondwani Nankhumwa was disqualified from the race because he had submitted nomination papers late and contrary to parliamentary orders, his submission indicated that he was the fifth in terms of chronogical time.

It must be emphasised that parliamentary orders demand that there should be a maximum of 4 contestants for the position of a speaker.

Will Suleiman be an impartial and progressive speaker? Only time will tell.


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