EDITORIAL | The Forum

Malawi’s Parliament has once again overstepped, passing the CDF Amendment Bill in defiance of a clear High Court ruling. The court ruled that MPs shouldn’t control CDF funds because doing so places them in both legislative and executive roles, a conflict the amendment now seeks to undo.

The bill was presented as a reform to enhance transparency and community ownership, but in practice it restores political control over a rapidly growing fund. Audit clauses and citizen monitoring can’t compensate for a structure that empowers MPs to approve, gate-keep, and influence local development projects. Civil society organisations warned that the amendment undermines constitutionalism and weakens local governance; their concerns were dismissed by lawmakers.

The President now faces a critical test. Exercising his veto isn’t obstruction, it’s protecting the rule of law and the integrity of public institutions. Rejecting the amendment would send a clear signal that reform isn’t just rhetoric and would force Parliament to reconsider its overreach.

The choice is stark: endorse a bill that centralises political power over public resources, or defend accountability, transparency, and constitutional order. For the sake of governance and the nation, the responsible choice is to veto the CDF Amendment Bill.

—

Also Read: Jere tables CDF Amendment Bill to strengthen MPs’ role in local development