By Yankho Kandio

Salima, June 18, Mana: The Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ) in collaboration with the Parliament of Malawi on Tuesday opened a tailored legislative drafting training workshop in Salima, aimed at strengthening the capacity of parliamentary staff ahead of the new Parliament in September.

The training is designed to equip parliamentary officers with the technical expertise needed to provide effective support to Members of Parliament as they carry out their legislative responsibilities.

Clerk of Parliament, Fiona Kalemba, underlined the workshop’s role in preparing for the new cohort of Members of Parliament following the September general elections.

“Behind every successful Member of Parliament is a team of dedicated and competent staff. This training will enable us to support our new members more efficiently and effectively as they carry forward their legislative responsibilities,” Kalemba said.

CIJ’s legal expert, Liness Chikankheni, stressed the significance of robust legislation in fostering a just, accountable and progressive society. Adding that strengthening legal institutions and parliamentary capacity is a key step toward delivering on democratic promises.

“It is both an honour and a pleasure to collaborate with Parliament to enable its officers to grow their skills and knowledge in legislative drafting. This training is a step forward in our collective mission to serve the public with integrity, innovation and impact,” Chikankheni said.

 Head of Legal services for Parliament, Tilly Likomwe, explained that the training aims to bring parliamentary drafters up to speed in delivering high-caliber legislation.

“Current capacity is good but there’s room for improvement, and we’re eager to learn from the expertise of our partners at CIJ to aid us in that process,” Likomwe said.

The workshop forms a crucial step toward strengthening the legislative framework and ensuring that the new Parliament is well-equipped to perform its constitutional responsibilities.