Members of Parliament have expressed conflicting views on a petition by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) which among other demands, is calling for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Jane Ansah.

The petition, which was presented in the House by Malawi Congress Party Member of Parliament for Dowa East, Richard Chimwendo Banda, is also requesting the legislators not confirm the appointment of Duncan Mwapasa as Police Inspector General.

However, Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara ruled that it is out of order for the lawmakers to be debating on a petition.

Speaking to YFM after presenting HRDC petition, Chimwendo Banda said the petition will be sent to a relevant parliamentary committee for scrutiny.

“According to the rules of Parliament no petition shall be debated but a petition could be sent to the relevant Parliamentary committee which I did ask the speaker to do,” he said.

Chimwendo said the committee is expected to report back to Parliament on the issue.