Clement Chiwaya won’t contest again

Tom Sangala April 17, 2018

502 1 minute read

Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Clement Chiwaya, has decided to quit active politics but will remain a loyal member of the United Democratic Front (UDF)

Chiwaya said in a statement released on Sunday that he arrived at the decision after consultations with his family.

“Today after consultations with my family I have arrived at a decision that I will not seek an elected position in 2019. I am retiring from active politics. I will remain in UDF as a member,” he said in a statement

He however, said he will continue to serve as a Member of Parliament (MP) and Deputy Speaker of Parliament till May 21, 2019.

“Many of you will ask me why I am making the announcement so early. In fact the reason is to accord UDF to identify my successor through the party structures,” he said.

Chiwaya, who joined politics in 2003, has been in power for three consecutive terms as a member of parliament for Mangochi Central under UDF.

“During this time I have been involved in a number of projects for the constituency that I am proud of. I thank the people of Mangochi for trusting me with the position of MP and my fellow MPs for elevating me to be the current position of Deputy Speaker,” he said.

Chiwaya served as a minister during Bingu wa Mutharika’s first term of office. He recognised former president, Bakili Muluzi, UDF president Atupele Muluzi, Late Bishop Assolari and others as the people that shaped his political career.

UDF Regional Governor for the East, Abubakar M’baya, explained that as a party they are yet to meet and discuss Chiwaya’s quitting of active politics.

“I have received the letter and he has also sent it on our executive forum. But we are yet to discuss about the issue. We are currently waiting for his return from America to get the full reasons from him,” said M’baya.

UDF President, Atupele Muluzi, said while he understands Chiwaya’s decision to quit, the party is saddened.

“He has been a loyal servant of Malawi, his constituents and the party. His commitment in upholding free and fair politics in our house and in the country cannot be overemphasized. He is an old friend who has been gracious enough to tell me and discuss before he made a decision to quit active politics,” he said.