All of a sudden Malawi’s ruling People’s Party has found itself with less MPs in parliament while the opposition has gained numbers and is geared to keep the government on its toes.

As President Joyce Banda was opening parliament on Friday, the order paper indicated that of the 193 lawmakers 83 were from government while 110 were from the opposition.

Of course the shift was not unexpected because most legislators from the ruling party have been announcing their defection back to the opposition.

When the PP became a ruling party, several MPs from the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party ditched the party to join the governing party.

“We welcome those that have come back. These numbers are a sign that we will keep government on its toes,” said Nicholas Dausi who speaks for the DPP.

The opposition has also gained numbers from a decision by the United Democratic Front to have its MPs go back to opposition side after ending its marriage with government.

UDF President Atupele Muluzi who was taken on board in cabinet resigned to concentrate on party affairs as the 2014 elections fast approach.

Speaker of Parliament

Another person whose decision can turn tables anytime is Speaker Chimunthu Banda himself who has managed to remain apolitical since President Mutharika died but there is mounting speculation that he is still DPP.

There have also been calls from DPP MPs for him to challenge Professor Peter Mutharika for the position of DPP President during convention in April.

If he decides to throw his hat in the ring it will further add pomp to the DPP which is in a campaign to reclaim power after being pushed to the opposition following the death of President Mutharika.

The Speaker has not publicly commented on his political stand but at one time when a lawmaker questioned his stand, he said “knowing which political party I belong to is not important.”—Zodiak Online

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