People’s Development Party (PDP) President Dr Kondwani Nankhumwa has called for the immediate reversal of the decision to postpone the duly gazetted Mid-Year Budget Review Sitting of the National Assembly, describing the move as a threat to parliamentary independence and democratic accountability.
The sitting was scheduled to take place from November 9 to December 11, 2026. However, reports indicate that President Professor Peter Mutharika issued a directive leading to its cancellation.
In a statement, Nankhumwa expressed strong opposition to the decision, arguing that postponing the parliamentary sitting raises serious constitutional questions that require immediate attention.
“I wish to express my strong objection to the decision to postpone the duly gazetted Mid-Year Budget Review Sitting of the National Assembly. This decision raises grave constitutional concerns,” said Nankhumwa.
The PDP leader further questioned the Speaker of the National Assembly’s reported compliance with the directive, describing the development as deeply concerning.
According to Nankhumwa, the President does not have unilateral constitutional authority to postpone Parliament, citing Section 59(1) of the Constitution as the basis for his argument.
He maintained that Parliament must be allowed to operate independently and discharge its constitutional responsibilities without interference from the Executive.
Nankhumwa also warned that postponing the sitting could undermine democratic accountability, particularly at a time when the country is grappling with serious economic challenges, including the ongoing fuel crisis.
He said the Mid-Year Budget Review provides Parliament with an important opportunity to scrutinise government expenditure, assess budget implementation and hold the Executive accountable for its financial decisions.
Nankhumwa has therefore called for the decision to be reversed, insisting that the National Assembly should proceed with its scheduled business in accordance with constitutional provisions and established parliamentary procedures.
