The Malawi National Assembly has this evening Wednesday, 19th June, 2019 elected the first ever female Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, she is Right Honourable Gotani Hara, MP.

Hara got 97 votes while Esther Mcheka Chilenje got 93 votes. Hara becomes Malawi’s first female Speaker.

In her acceptance speech, Gotani Hara appealed for unity amongst Members of Parliament urging them to desist from bringing divisive politics into Parliament business.

“Let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the confidence and trust that you have placed in me. I intend to be fair to all, I therefore seek your support in advance. This is a unique opportunity we have been given to serve our nation. Let us resist the partisanship that has taken root in our political landscape,” she said.

In a related development, MCP’s Madalitso Kazombo has been elected First Deputy Speaker, beating DPP’s Werani Chilenga with 99 votes to 88.

Kazombo won on an independent ticket but later joined MCP.

While Aisha Adams, United Democratic Front (UDF) Member of Parliament for Mangochi Nkungulu, has gone unopposed as Second Deputy Speaker.

Meanwhile President Mutharika will this coming Friday officially open the National Assembly.