Tuesday 24 July 2012

Malawi President risks being dragged to court


Malawi president risks being dragged to court if she fails to declare her assets with immediate effect.

Renowned political activist sounded the threat in an interview when he was giving his assessment on 100 days of Joyce Banda’s presidency

Mkandawire blamed Banda for not fulfilling constitutional mandates like coming forth in the open and publicly declaring her assets saying such behavior promotes corruption among leaders.

Mkandawire argued that if Banda was a good leader who wants to improve the economy of the country she could have followed what Section 88 (1) of the Constitution of the republic of Malawi says , which stipulates that the president and members of cabinet must disclose all their assets, liabilities and business interest - as well as those of their spouses or any assets that are held on their behalf upon election or appointment.

“Such a declaration is supposed to be made in writing within three months of their election or appointment .Recently the president celebrated her 100 days in office and dedicated it to the Malawian people. But after such dedication one would expect the president to fulfill certain constitutional mandates like declaring her assets”. Wondered Mkandawire.

Mkandawire said President Banda is not honoring her promises which she made to Malawians once she was appointed

“ President Joyce Banda promised Malawians that she will rid the country of any corrupt practices by promoting mechanisms and institutions that will help combat corruption, little did we Malawians know that we were being hoodwinked yet again as she continues to fret and lag on the decision to declare her assets even after the tree months period mandate by the constitution is over” worried Mkandawire.

Mkandawire reminded Banda that she should remember that she was not wholly voted into office but rather she became president by virtue of Section 87 of Malawi constitution which reads in part “(1) Whenever the President is incapacitated so as to be unable to discharge the powers and duties of that office, the First Vice President shall act as President until such time, in the President’s term of office.”

Mkandawire therefore warned that this is part of the mandate Malawian people gave to the late President President Bingu Wa Mutharika because of the constitution which is sacrosanct that Banda must adhere and respect its supremacy and declare her assets.

" The president must declare her assets with immediate effect failure to do so Malawians will have no choice but to take the matter to the court of the land" Warned Mkandawire.

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