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Politics, ex-president's come-back bid dominate Malawian press |
"No Talks On Budget" screamed a headline in the Daily Times, quoting President Bingu wa Mutharika as directing that Parliament must meet for ten days from Monday, to discuss and pass the budget unconditionally.
This was after the budget session of Parliament was suspended 20 June, following the opposition - who dominate the 193-member House - insistence that members who quit the opposition to join the newly-founded Democratic Progressive Party (DPP ) must be expelled first before the budget is discussed.
The Nation, under the headline, "Bingu Ignores Clergy, calls for Parliament", said the president's call for the reconvening of Parliament defies a suggestion by the clergy, mediating in the impasse, that a compromise must be reached first before the budget is discussed, to avoid the opposition over-turning it.
However, the president's call notwithstand, the opposition is still doubting Parliament will meet and transact meaningful business.
"UDF Not Sure Of Parliament" read a headline in the Weekend Nation, which said despite the President's call for a session, the speaker's office has not formally communicated to MPs as is the tradition.
In its story, Malawi News quoted the former ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) leader in the House George Mtafu as saying opposition MPs will stay away because the President violated the constitution by summoning the MPs, usurping the role of the Speaker.
Also on the news was the come-back bid of former president Bakili Muluzi, who, after serving two consecutive terms, wants to put his name on the ballot again for the May 2009 elections.
"UDF Is Taking A Big Risk" read a headline in the tri-weekly Guardian newspaper, quoting Solicitor General Anthony Kamanga as saying the former ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) was taking a gamble by insisting that the laws of Malawi allow Muluzi to stand again after serving two consecutive five-year terms.
"Government Warns Muluzi on Eligibility" was the headling in The Daily Times on the same story.
The paper quoted Muluzi as saying that his fate of standing for the election lies in the hands of the Malawi Electoral Commission, who may, or may not accept his nomination papers.
Kamanga, according to the paper, further warned that if Muluzi's papers are rejected, the UDF may not find time to scout for a replacement, adding that even if t he commission accepted his nomination papers, someone may successfully chllenge Muluzi's eligibility, and thereby render the party without a candidate at the elections.
The Weekend Nation, under the headline "Muluzi Speaks Out On James Phiri Ruling" - said the laws do not bar him and "for the love of the UDF and the people of Malawi" he will present his nomination papers to the electoral commission in January.
In the same story, the paper quoted DPP secretary general Eatherwick Ntaba as saying Muluzi was wasting his time as the laws are clear he cannot stand for elections again.
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