Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Monday questioned the recent Police recruitment exercise which has been marred by serious irregularities, saying the exercise leaves a lot to be desired.

Chakwera’s concern comes barely days after published reports indicated that most of the newly recruited Police officers who are undergoing Police training are Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cadets.

According to information at hand, the recruits are expected to be used in the 2019 election to threaten opposition political parties.

Speaking in parliament when he was responding to Mutharika’s SONA, Chakwera said it is sad to see government failing to professionally manage recruitment for the Police and the Prison Services despite having police recruitment policy guidelines in place.

“It is sad to learn and observe that professionalism and technical advice has been sacrificed at the altar of political expedience to tickle the fancies of the ruling elite. It is also sad to note the failure, for four years now, by Government to recruit for the Malawi Defence Force despite the various missions our men and women are currently undertaking both at home and abroad.

“Mr. Speaker Sir, all this puts to question Governments’ priorities in relation to national security and social economic development of the citizens, in particular the youth. By pressing adverts and in some respects conducting interviews on jobs that Government knew pretty well that it has no capacity or intention to recruit, the frustrations of the genuine hopes and expectations of the youths, parents and guardians were made worse,” said Chakwera.

Chakwera also expressed concern over the sharp increase in unemployment rate in the country.