MPs Allegedly Plotting to Extend Parliamentary Term to Seven Years, Official Warns

A human rights defender Redson Munlo has warned Members of Parliament against what he described as a plan to extend their term of office from five to seven years.

Reports indicate that on Sunday, Munlo alleged that some MPs are holding secret meetings and working "day and night" to draft a bill that would increase the parliamentary term to seven years.

But he warned them against pursuing what he described as an unpopular proposal.

In the audio circulating, Munlo said: "It is not the right way this country is being governed. MPs cannot make such a decision without Malawians taking part through a referendum. They are only representatives of the people," he said.

Munlo argued that the Constitution provides for a five-year mandate for Members of Parliament, adding that the lawmakers should not unilaterally extend their tenure.

"According to the Constitution, MPs are elected to represent the people for only five years. They should not give themselves powers to extend that term. This issue requires a referendum," he suggested.

Munlo cautioned MPs against treating public office as a personal entitlement, saying parliamentary positions exist to serve the interests of citizens.

He urged Malawians not to emulate developments in other countries, saying each country must be guided by its own constitutional framework.

He has appealed to Malawians to remain vigilant and closely monitor developments in Parliament, arguing that any proposal to extend the tenure of MPs should not be allowed to pass because of what he believes would be its bad effects on Malawians.