Maravi

(NYASATIMES) Malawi leader Joyce Banda to address the nation

Malawi leader Joyce Banda to address the nation

Malawi’s Vice President Joyce Banda who will be sworn-in as Head of State following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika is scheduled to address the nation.
Banda has been furnished with the reports that Mutharika is formally declared dead following a heart attack on Thursday.

Mutharika's sudden death and the government's silence have lead to confusion about who will take over as acting president.

Former president Bakili Muluzi told a news conference on Friday that Vice President is constitutionally mandated to take the job, adding that Banda's ascension is necessary to keep order.

There are reports of some people in the ruling party trying to force Parliament to convene and change the constitution not to allow the Vice President to assume office.

Lawyer Wapona Kita says “its automatic” that Her Excellency Banda takes over the presidency.
Kita said the constitution “clearly states that in the event of incapacitation or death of the president, the vice president takes over.”

He said: “The reality on the ground is that Joyce Banda takes over until the remainder of the term in 2014, unless someone wants to change the rules,” he said.

Most ordinary Malawians have yet to receive the news due to an official silence in the state media.

Banda formed her own People’s Party after being sacked from the ruling party. Mutharika then filed a case at the High Court seeking to force her from office, arguing that his running mate had become an opposition figure.

Meanwhile, the civil society activist have told a news conference at Riverside Hotel in Lilongwe that they are calling for a peaceful succession and constitutional order, allowing Banda to take over power.

Labels: BAKILI MULUZI, BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, JOYCE BANDA

posted by MrK @ 4:15 PM