By Wadza Botomani
The National Assembly has moved swiftly to complete its leadership structure, electing Victor Musowa as First Deputy Speaker and Esther Jolobala as Second Deputy Speaker in a session presided over by new Speaker Sameer Suleman. The election for the first deputy post was a closely contested affair, with Mulanje Bale legislator Victor Musowa emerging victorious with 134 votes. He defeated UTM’s Catherine Mzumara, who secured 60 votes, and MCP’s Emmanuel Jere Chambulanyina, who garnered 24 votes. A total of 198 Members of Parliament cast their ballots.
In a contrasting outcome, the appointment for Second Deputy Speaker saw no contest. Member of Parliament for Machinga East, Esther Jolobala, was elected unopposed, securing the position without a vote. The dual elections followed shortly after Suleman’s own ascent to the Speaker’s chair, marking a rapid consolidation of the new parliamentary leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Musowa expressed humility and gratitude for the trust placed in him by the house. He pledged to conduct parliamentary business with fairness, integrity, and a firm dedication to upholding the dignity of the National Assembly. His remarks were met with loud applause from the gathered members. Speaker Suleman congratulated Musowa, urging him to serve diligently and to foster collaboration across party lines to strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions. With these key roles now filled, the parliament is set to proceed with its legislative agenda.
