Drama during Malawi impeachment

The speaker was rushed from parliament to hospital

The speaker of Malawi's parliament has collapsed during a tense session with MPs discussing the impeachment of President Bingu wa Mutharika.

Speaker Rodwell Munyenyembe struggled to maintain order during a heated debate on the correct procedure.

As he rose to bang his gavel he lost balance and tumbled to the ground, unconscious. He was taken to hospital.

Without a speaker in the chair, MPs left marking an end to the session.

Parliament was suspended on Friday amid concerns for Mr Munyenyembe's health.

Correspondents say Mr Mutharika's tough stance against corruption has made him many enemies in parliament.

The impeachment motion was lodged by the United Democratic Party (UDF), which has accused the president of violating the constitution and misusing government funds.

President wa Mutharika has not yet responded to the charges.

After taking office last year under the banner of the UDF, he then left it and formed a new political party but correspondents say he failed to gain support within the opposition ranks.