Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda wants to fight a court decision that removes lawmakers from the development fund. Three judges ruled that Members of Parliament cannot manage local projects and watch over them at the same time. Justices Howard Pemba, Eddah Ngwira, and Mzonde Mvula said this creates unfair conflicts of interest. The Constitutional Court ruled that granting politicians voting power at local council meetings breaches the separation of powers. Lawmakers had been selecting and implementing community development programs nationwide.
Nyirenda plans to take the case to the Supreme Court for another review. He told reporters he wants more explanation about how judges reached their decision. Critics believe the Attorney General attempts to maintain political control over development funds. Civil society groups praise the original court ruling because it stops politicians from misusing public funds. Many organizations have complained that lawmakers are using development projects as campaign tools.
The Supreme Court could uphold the Constitutional Court decision and permanently ban MPs from fund management duties. Administrative offices would assume these roles if the appeal fails. Water Resource Fund activities would also move away from political control under the court order. Community groups support removing partisan influence from local development programs. The appeal represents government resistance to transparency reforms.
Nyirenda plans to take the case to the Supreme Court for another review. He told reporters he wants more explanation about how judges reached their decision. Critics believe the Attorney General attempts to maintain political control over development funds. Civil society groups praise the original court ruling because it stops politicians from misusing public funds. Many organizations have complained that lawmakers are using development projects as campaign tools.
The Supreme Court could uphold the Constitutional Court decision and permanently ban MPs from fund management duties. Administrative offices would assume these roles if the appeal fails. Water Resource Fund activities would also move away from political control under the court order. Community groups support removing partisan influence from local development programs. The appeal represents government resistance to transparency reforms.
