MPs dared to improve amid digital scrutiny

First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Victor Musowa has challenged legislators to improve their performance and conduct in the face of digital platforms that now expose their contributions in the House to public scrutiny.

Speaking in Lilongwe during the opening of the third cohort of the Parliamentary Training Programme at the Malawi School of Government (MSG), he said members of Parlimanent (MPs) must prepare adequately for debates and ensure their contributions address citizens’ concerns.

Musowa: Digital transformation has changed the way people access information. | Esnart Tembo

“Digital transformation has changed the way people access information and follow parliamentary proceedings. People are watching what we do in Parliament, how we debate issues and how we represent their interests,” he said.

Musowa said increased public access to parliamentary proceedings through live broadcasts and digital platforms demanded greater professionalism and accountability from legislators.

He stressed the need for MPs to strengthen their understanding of parliamentary procedures to improve debates, scrutinise proposed laws and policies, and fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.

In his remarks, MSG director general Professor Lewis Dzimbiri said the programme will equip MPs with the knowledge and practical skills needed to improve legislative performance, scrutinise government policies and represent their constituents effectively.

“The training will provide members of Parliament with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of parliamentary business, particularly the legislative processes, policy scrutiny and effective representation of their constituents,” he said.

Dzimbiri noted that strengthening legislators’ capacity was essential to improving the quality of parliamentary debates and enabling MPs to fulfil their lawmaking and oversight responsibilities.

The three-week training is part of a five-phase programme targeting members of the 229-seat National Assembly during the 2025-2030 parliamentary term. It covers the Constitution, legislative procedures, parliamentary powers and privileges, governance, democracy, human rights, local government administration, budgeting and public finance.

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