” Use local languages”- Activists demand of Malawi Parliament

The Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) and Lost History Foundation (LHF) have petitioned Parliament to allow indigenous languages alongside English in parliamentary debates.

The organizations want MPs to communicate in local languages to better serve their constituents.

CDEDI’s Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa, stated that incorporating indigenous languages would ensure voter participation and enrich debates.

“Members of Parliament should speak in a language they’re comfortable with, as they’re speaking for and to the people they represent,” he said.

Zomba City North MP Bester Awali, who received the petition, said it’s timely as Parliament aims to engage closely with the people by embracing vernacular languages to enhance understanding.