The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has criticized President Lazarus Chakwera’s recently announced 27-member cabinet, calling for the inclusion of more technocrats to boost the country’s socioeconomic development.

Chakwera’s cabinet officially took office yesterday, according to a statement from the Secretary to the President and Cabinet.

Michael Kaiyatsa, Vice Chairperson of HRDC, stated that the organization wants Chakwera to appoint experts in their respective fields to help revive the struggling economy.

Despite this criticism, Kaiyatsa praised Chakwera for forming a smaller cabinet.

According to Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director John Kapito, people were expecting to see the number of Cabinet ministers reduced to 20.

Kapito says there are some ministries that do not require to have deputy ministers.