Members of Parliament assembled at the Parliament Building for the final sitting of the first meeting of the newly elected legislators. The session marks the conclusion of weeks of deliberations by the new cohort of lawmakers.
Parliament is scheduled to adjourn sine die today, formally ending the current meeting without setting a date for the next sitting. This closure comes after a series of debates and ministerial presentations that have shaped the early direction of the new legislative term.
At present, lawmakers are directing questions to the Minister of Health, who is providing oral responses on various issues raised by members. The question-and-answer segment forms an important part of parliamentary oversight.
Later in the day, the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Joseph Mwanamvekha, is expected to deliver the final statement for the Mid-Year Budget Review. His presentation will provide updates on fiscal performance and adjustments for the remainder of the financial year.
The Leader of the Opposition, Simplex Chithyola Banda, will also deliver his closing statement. His remarks are anticipated to outline the opposition’s assessment of the meeting and its priorities going forward.
At the start of today’s proceedings, Zomba City MP Bester Awali raised concern over the low turnout in the chamber, noting that attendance was below expectation despite the significance of the final day.
In response, Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman acknowledged the concern and assured the house that he would address the issue later in the day, signalling his commitment to upholding parliamentary standards and participation.
