MPs under fire for their plans to extend term limits from 5 to 7 Years 

Human rights , Social and Governance activist Redson Munlo has come out gun blazing, warning some Members of Parliament against a planned move to extend their term of office from 5 years to 7.

In a strongly worded audio message released on Sunday, Munlo said he is aware that groups of MPs are holding secret meetings and working “day and night” to draft a bill that would give them a 7-year mandate.

Munlo cautioned against pushing through what he called an unpopular bill.

“It is not right the way this country is being governed,” he said. “MPs cannot make such a decision without Malawians taking part through a referendum. They are only representing Malawians from across the country.”

According to Munlo, the Constitution is clear.

“According to the constitution of this country, the mandate is that MPs are obligated to represent people in parliament only for 5 years. They should not give themselves powers to extend the term. This issue needs a referendum,” he warned.

He also told MPs not to take their seats for granted or treat the position as personal business, stressing that it is meant to serve society.

Munlo urged Malawians not to copy what happened in Zimbabwe, where the President’s term was extended to 7 years.

“In Zimbabwe they had their own reasons for coming up with that decision. No copy and paste. We don’t even have the same constitutional principles across the country. We must do what we can manage as a country. This bill must fall,” he said.

He has since appealed to all Malawians to remain vigilant and closely monitor what is happening in Parliament.

Munlo said the bill should not be allowed to pass because it would have a negative impact on poor communities.