afrol News, 27 February - Malawian President has been told that it is "unconstitutional and undemocratic" to run the government without the parliament.

President Bingu wa Mutharika's government has been holed up in a constitutional crisis and conflicts with lawmakers for so long. It all sparked off after parliamentarians threatened to expel 70 members of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Mr Mutharika himself defected from United Democratic Front (UDF) to set up DPP, accusing UDF officials of blocking his anti-graft fight.

But the Malawian leader prevented lawmakers from meeting this month. He said they would be allowed to resume business provided they withdraw the expulsion of DPP deputies.

President Mutharika does not seemed to be bothered by the political stalemate, which according to observers, is capable of negative the implementation of international donor programmes.

The Malawi Law Society reminded President Mutharika "that parliament is an important part of our democracy, which is based on the constitution."

"To run government without it is a most undemocratic, unconstitutional conduct of government business," the Malawi Law Society said in a statement, urging the President to reconsider his decision.

Opposition parties, including those from UDF argued that the defected MPs had violated the constitution and should therefore be expelled. Fearing that the move would lead to a vote of no-confidence against his government, President Mutharika opened a confrontation with lawmakers.

Last year, anti-graft police raided the home of a High Court Judge, Joseph Mwanyungwe, after he had ruled in favour of opposition MPs for refusing to debate and pass the government's US $1.2 billion budget.

The opposition-controlled parliament had refused to entertain discussions on the budget, insisting that unless the cross carpeted members to the ruling party were expelled in parliament the stall would thrive.

The stall over the budget had almost dislodged the government from power because it had halted most of the government functions and essential services.

It had also stimulated thousands of Malawians to hold protest near the parliament building and pelted stones, putting lawmakers under siege for more than five hours.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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