BY DRAXON MALOYA

Following the tragic death of Malawi’s Vice President, Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima, in a plane crash last week Monday, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have begun calling on President Lazarus Chakwera to appoint the new State Vice President in accordance with the country’s constitutional obligations.

The CSOs are emphasizing the importance of selecting a candidate who not only upholds the vision of the late Vice President, but also has the capability to champion the legacy he left behind.

The newly elected Chairperson for a consortium comprising of more than thirty (30) CSOs, the Mzuzu Civil Society Network (MCSN), Edward Kantuseya Gama described the late Dr. Chilima as known for his dedication to improving the lives of Malawians and his commitment to fighting corruption.

“We must express our concern for the leadership vacuum that has been left by the tragic incident and urged President Chakwera to act swiftly in appointing new Vice President hence calling for the importance of maintaining stability and continuity in the government during this difficult time,” said Kantuseya.

Echoeing what Kantuseya said the chairperson for National Advocacy Forum (NAP) Benedicto Khondowe in his statenent clearly stated that many Malawians are voicing their support for the CSO’s call for the appointment of a new Vice President believing that it is crucial for the country to have a strong and capable leader who can continue the work that Dr. Chilima started.

Meanwhile, the President of the Malawi Law Commission, Patrick Mpaka says president Chakwera had until Wednesday midnight (19th June 2024) to appoint and announce the new country’s Vice President.

Chakwera is yet to announce his plans for appointing a new Vice President, but the pressure from CSOs and the public through the social media is mounting.

It is expected that he will take swift action to fill the vacant position and ensure that the government continues to move forward in the wake of this tragedy.