Anti-Bakili Muluzi / MALAWI POLITICS TODAY

Chilumpha fired

by Olivia Kumwenda, 10 February 2006 - 05:57:05

President Bingu wa Mutharika on Thursday fired Vice President Cassim Chilumpha saying the veep has abandoned his responsibilities since he assumed his office. The President has since written a letter to Chilumpha informing him about cabinet’s decision for him to go and that he also accepts the constructive resignation. In the letter, which is in our possession, Mutharika has highlighted several issues relating to the alleged under-performance of Chilumpha. Some of the issues raised is that Chilumpha has not been attending cabinet meetings as required, has publicly criticised and attacked the same government he is part of and has not obeyed his (Mutharika’s) order that all government officials should move to Lilongwe. “You have instead deliberately disobeyed me and moved from your official house in Lilongwe to live at the Mudi House in Blantyre. In so doing, you have shown insubordination and arrogance that is not compatible with your office as Vice President,” reads the letter. Mutharika also said the VP had puzzled government and undermined his authority as the State President when he constantly attempted to run a parallel government by organising a number of public events and even political rallies without the President authorisation or even have the courtesy informing him. “Cabinet is, therefore, obliged to construe that by abandoning your responsibilities, you have accordingly resigned from your position as Vice President of the Republic of Malawi. I have, therefore, with deep regret, accepted your resignation,” writes Mutharika. Attorney General (AG) Ralph Kasambara has since withdrawn a case in the High Court in Blantyre where he wanted the court to declare that Chilumpha has by way of constructive resignation vacated his office as VP. “The Constitution of Malawi says a VP can leave office through death or resignation and resignation could be expressive and constructive and the issue of constructive arises due to conduct being displayed, so Chilumpha has resigned by conduct, he did not have to write,” said Kasambara on Thursday. According to Section 85 of the Constitution, if at any time both the office of President and First Vice President become vacant, then the Cabinet shall elect from among its members and acting President and Acting First Vice-President who shall hold office for not more than 60 days.