By Durell Namasani
The Malawi Congress Party caucus has anointed Peter Dimba as its candidate for the powerful role of Speaker of the National Assembly, a decisive move that sidelines fellow contender Sam Kawale. The selection, confirmed late Tuesday, sets the stage for a significant leadership shift within the house and has ignited a flurry of reactions across the political landscape.
Dimba, the Member of Parliament for Lilongwe South and former chairperson of the Public Appointments Committee, is now the presumptive favourite for the position when the new house convenes. His victory within the party caucus over Kawale, who had publicly declared his ambition for the role, signals a consolidated front from the opposition party.
Political analyst Mzondi Mzomera described the choice as a “strategic and unsurprising pick.” He stated, “Dimba carries significant parliamentary experience and a reputation for being firm. The party has chosen a known quantity who they believe can manage the house effectively and uphold the executive’s agenda, a crucial consideration for any ruling party.”
However, the decision has drawn criticism from some quarters. “This feels like a missed opportunity for a more unifying figure,” commented civil society activist Grace Banda. “While Dimba is competent, his partisan stance is well-documented. One would have hoped for a candidate perceived as more neutral to foster constructive debate across the aisle.”
Reached for comment, a triumphant Peter Dimba expressed his gratitude to the party. “I am deeply humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me,” Dimba said. “This is not a personal victory but a call to service. My focus, if elected by the full assembly, will be to uphold the integrity of our parliamentary democracy, ensure robust debate, and serve every Malawian by steering the house with fairness and dedication.”
All eyes now turn to the formal election in the National Assembly, where Dimba’s ascension is widely anticipated.
