Malawi’s vice president Saulos Chilima has challenged Section 91(1) of the supreme laws which give immunity to the president from criminal prosecution and wants it amended.
According to Chilima, as it was one of the Tonse Alliance’s campaign promises ahead of June 23, 2020 fresh presidential election.
Delivering his national address this morning, Chilima said as much as he appreciate s that the constitution does not provide immunity to the sitting vice president, the same should be applying to the highest office of the land.
According to Chilima, everyone including the president should be held accountable even while in office of any wrong doing.
He then called for a review of the law on presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, that the president should equally be tried while in office, according to Chilima, there is no two ways about it.
At the moment, the laws of the country does not allow the sitting of head state to be tried of any criminal case until he ceases to be president.
During campaign, president Chakwera agreed that his government will work on trimming presidential powers, but he is yet to fulfil the promise.