Abstract

This study examines the performance of MPs in the oversight role of the National Assembly of Malawi by looking at the questions they raise in the House during a particular oversight instrument called question time. The study adopted a qualitative research design using analysis of documents and in-depth interviews to obtain information. The information obtained included the nature and number of questions asked by each MP, individual MPs’ motivations, incentives and challenges during question time, in order to understand how and why MPs use this time. The study demonstrates that the majority of MPs participating question time. Most of the questions MPs ask focus on constituency development than national policy issues as the MPs’ primary motivation is the desire to be seen by the constituents that they are committed to representing the constituents’ interests in the belief that this will lead to their re-election. The study also reflects that the role of the Speaker and Standing Orders constrain MPs’ use of question time as an instrument of oversight. It also reveals the relationship between use of parliamentary question time, on the one hand and MPs’ party membership and gender, on the other hand. The study therefore concludes that MPs in the parliament of Malawi use question time to ask questions that are more constituency development oriented than national policy oriented ultimately to ensure their own political survival in the House. The central argument of the study is that participation of MPs in question time reflects that question time is more of a tool for vertical representation than oversight (horizontal accountability) owing to the electoral system and political culture prevailing in Malawi.

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School	: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Issued Date	: 2011

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