Nkhotakota Central MP-elect and renowned lawyer Ayuba James has dropped a political bombshell, announcing his intention to push for a constitutional amendment that would extend Malawi’s election cycle from five years to eight years. “I hate frequent elections for poor countries like Malawi. He dismissed regular elections as a drain on national resources and a playground for opportunistic politicians. Since we can’t have a coup here because we are a ‘peaceful’ people, at least we must do away with frequent elections,” he argued. If James delivers on his pledge, Malawi could be heading for one of the most contentious constitutional showdowns in its democratic history.