MALAWI: Opposition Leader Rejects New Bill

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

Dr. George Chaponda, the leader of the opposition, has announced that opposition parties will reject a new bill that the government wants to introduce. The bill aims to raise taxes ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.

According to Chaponda, the decision was made during a meeting with parliamentary leaders, where they agreed to block the bill. “We will not support this bill,” Chaponda said. “It’s not in the best interest of the people.”

Chaponda criticized the government for trying to raise taxes at a time when people are struggling with hunger and other issues. “The government should be helping people who are struggling, not fighting the DPP, which will only hurt people further,” he said.

Many people believe that the new bill is specifically targeted at former President Peter Mutharika, who is currently 79 years old. The bill aims to raise the age limit for presidential candidates, which would effectively bar Mutharika from running in the upcoming elections.

Critics argue that this move is a clear attempt to undermine Mutharika’s potential candidacy and tip the scales in favor of the ruling party. The opposition parties are united in their rejection of the new bill, and the debate has sparked intense discussion across the country.