Malawi parliamentarians have elected Member of Parliament for Blantyre City Chigumula BCA-Club Banana Constituency, Sameer Suleman, as Speaker of the National Assembly.
Suleman, a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was nominated together with three other people, and he received 134 votes out of 220 votes.
Among the contestants were Peter Dimba of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) who got 85 votes, while the other two, Sandram Scot and Lasten Vigalo, did not get any votes.
Suleman has taken over from former Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara of the Malawi Congress Party and as part of his duty, he is expected to head the legislative arm of government and maintain order and guide debates in the national assembly.
In his acceptance speech, Suleman pledged to preside over the affairs of parliament “with impartiality, fairness and firmness to ensure that every voice is heard and every view is respected.”
He also asked the Members of Parliament to rise above partisan politics in order to serve the nation better.
“The challenges Malawi is facing require collective wisdom and sober stewardship. Let us commit ourselves to a parliament that leads by example, works efficiently, legislates prudently, and oversees with integrity,” said Suleman.
Another DPP legislator, Victor Musowa of Mulanje Bale Constituency, has been elected First Deputy Speaker while member of parliament for Machinga East Constituency, Esther Jolobala of the United Democratic Front (UDF), went unopposed to take the position of Second Deputy Speaker after two other contestants withdrew at the very last minute.
President Arthur Peter Mutharika has since appointed Jappie Mhango as the Leader of the House.
Meanwhile, political analyst George Phiri has advised Suleman to be impartial when handling parliamentary deliberations.
He also advised the new Speaker to assist President Mutharika to meet the needs of the people and champion the Malawi 2063 aspirations.
Parliament will be officially opened by President Mutharika on Friday 31st October 2025.
(Photo courtesy of Malawi News Agency (MANA) Facebook page)
