By Edwin Mauluka

Parliament has adopted a Private Member’s Motion calling for the creation of legislation to regulate the operations of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The motion, introduced by Mzimba South MP Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, seeks the drafting of Bills that would establish a clear legal framework to improve transparency, accountability, and proper management of the fund.

“CDF is a public financing initiative that channels budgeted funds directly from the central government to parliamentary constituencies to support locally determined development priorities,” Jere said.

He noted that although the CDF has contributed significantly to community development, it has long faced challenges, chief among them the absence of a dedicated legal framework. The fund currently relies on policy guidelines, some of which were recently flagged as problematic by the Constitutional Court.

Jere pointed to Zambia and Kenya as examples of countries where CDF operations are guided by strong legislative structures that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.

“In this regard, Mr. Speaker Sir, I beg to move that appropriate Bills be introduced in this House to provide for a proper legal framework for managing the Constituency Development Fund,” he said.

He added that the proposed legislation would align with President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s recent address and respond to issues raised by the Judiciary, ensuring the fund operates fully within the law.

The CDF was introduced in the 2006/2007 financial year to empower local stakeholders to identify and implement projects addressing community needs.

President Mutharika recently announced an increase in the fund’s allocation from MWK200 million to MWK5 billion per constituency per year beginning in the 2026/2027 financial year.