Traditionally sitting heads of state in Malawi have dissolved their cabinet prior to an election in what is constitutionally termed as cabinet dissolution. In 2019 for instance Mutharika exercised his discretion by dissolving his cabinet four days preceding the tripartite polls.

Presidential Press Secretary Mgeme Kalirani is quoted as saying, “Right now there is no such decision. What we have before us is not a general election, if we are to have a general elections there set constitutional requirements that have to be followed, for example the dissolution of the National Assembly. This is a fresh election ordered by the court which is running on its terms.”

University of Malawi based legal expert Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise has faulted the President’s decision.

Dr. Madise said this will bring chaos in an event that a different leader is ushered into power after the election.

“The dissolution of cabinet has nothing to do with the general election. The president dissolves cabinet because of the Presidential elections, when he says he can’t dissolve it, that’s strange reasoning, it is preposterous for someone to reason like that. The cabinet must be dissolved.”

Madise said it is only fair to have anyone who will be elected as President in this fresh presidential poll to have a fresh hand.

Malawians are geared to cast their ballot next Tuesday June 23, 2020 in the court ordered fresh presidential poll.