PAC condemns claim Ansah could become President in two months

The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has condemned remarks suggesting that First Vice President Jane Ansah could become Malawi’s next President within two months, describing the claims as dangerous and contrary to the country’s constitutional order.

PAC spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga was reacting to comments made by activist Sylvester Namiwa during an interview on a local television station.

In the interview, Namiwa claimed that Ansah was the ultimate beneficiary of her reported exclusion from Cabinet meetings and other official government engagements.

He further alleged that if the situation continued, she could become President within two months.“If these actions do not change, Jane Ansah will be the next President of this country within the next two months,” Namiwa said.

Responding to the remarks, Matonga questioned the basis of the claim, stressing that Malawi has a constitutionally elected President who remains in office.

“How does one ascend to the presidency when a lawfully elected incumbent is still in office? Such sentiments are criminal in nature,” he said.

Matonga warned against statements that could fuel political speculation, create public anxiety or undermine constitutional governance, saying such remarks risk destabilising democratic institutions.

He also urged the Office of the Vice President to publicly distance itself from Namiwa’s comments to avoid any perception that they reflect its position.

According to Matonga, a clear statement from the Vice President’s Office would reassure Malawians that the country’s leadership remains committed to constitutionalism and political stability.

The comments come amid ongoing public debate over Ansah’s reported absence from some Cabinet meetings and official government functions.

However, government has not announced any constitutional or political changes regarding the country’s leadership.

Under Malawi’s Constitution, the President remains Head of State and Government until the expiry of the constitutional term, unless circumstances provided for by the Constitution arise.