By Wezzie Gausi:
Ambitions by new Malawi Congress Party (MCP) members to clinch positions in the party’s national executive committee (Nec) have been dashed by a declaration that only those who have been in the party for a minimum of two years can seek such positions.
Two months ago, MCP’s Nec reportedly resolved to bring up the eligibility criterion, which sparked controversy, with some quarters suspecting particular individuals were being targeted.
The party has seen several notable figures such as former ministers Cabinet Uladi Mussa and Ephraim Mganda Chiume, joining it in recent days.
MCP has now formalised what was all along being taken as speculation, through a statement it has released which indicates that those eligible to contest for Nec positions must have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the party’s values and goals.
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The statement signed by MCP publicity secretary Ezekiel Ching’oma says “to ensure a fair and transparent process”, the party has developed a Code of Conduct that all members, including Nec position aspirants, must adhere to.
“This Code of Conduct sets the standards for ethical behaviour and ensures that the convention is conducted with integrity.
“Members can obtain a copy of the Code of Conduct and the necessary nomination forms from the regional Chairmen’s offices or the Administrative officer at the party’s headquarters, conveniently located in the city centre of Lilongwe,” the statement says.
It adds that MCP’s August elective convention is an opportunity for the party to come together as one unified voice to elect leaders who will guide it towards a brighter future.
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“The party is committed to a fair and inclusive process, ensuring that all eligible members have an equal chance to contribute and shape the party’s direction.
“By participating in this convention, members can actively participate in the democratic process and help build a stronger and more prosperous [MCP],” the statement says.
But political analyst Mavuto Bamusi argues that the party might simply be protecting what he described as its traditional interests.
Bamusi said in an interview yesterday that the party’s position is a closed-door policy which does not augur well with democratic rights.
“Political liberalism, which entails political freedom such as freedom of association, is what political parties in a democratic dispensation should do. And that is to embrace, show tolerance and happily accept new people that join any political party.
“I think it is a move of political interest that some old guards in MCP are doing to protect positions and interests which may be threatened by new members who are coming with resources and innovative ideas that will not occur well with the traditional thinking of the old guards of MCP,” Bamusi said.
Political analyst Ernest Thindwa, on the other hand, said the decision by the party to put restrictions on who can get Nec positions may generate competing effects.
Thindwa added that it may also promote loyalty moving forward.
“On another hand, it may limit the party’s strategic recruitment potential as those high-fliers with keen interest to secure strategic spots within the party’s hierarchy may be disenfranchised from joining the party.
“Sceptics may view the decision as an initiative by some party elite to fend off potential intra-party competition,” Thindwa said.
Meanwhile, MCP has announced that preparations for the August elective convention in Lilongwe have been finalised.
