By Samuel Kalimira & Wezzie Gausi:
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and former president Peter Mutharika’s spokesperson Shadric Namalomba has asked members of Parliament (MPs) who are against Mutharika’s candidature in the 2025 presidential election to support the idea or leave the party.
Namalomba was reacting to sentiments raised by Zomba Chisi MP Mark Botomani, who claimed that DPP MPs that are deemed to be against the process of endorsing Mutharika are being sidelined by fellow party MPs.
However, Namalomba said the MPs that are against the idea are in minority, adding that their decision cannot influence those in majority.
Namalomba said the only solution is that they should join the majority or excuse themselves from the party.
- Advertisement -
“The decision of endorsement was made at the National Governing Council (NGC) meeting, where the majority supported [it]. It is no use that, after the majority has made a decision, then the minority should say they have been sidelined; no.
“In politics of democracy, the majority lead and others have to follow. If they do not subscribe to the idea, then let them leave. Parties are free association [groups],” Namalomba said
But, in a separate interview, Botomani said he cannot leave DPP because he subscribes to the party’s ideologies, adding that no one has powers to remove him from the blue camp.
“Our president is being lied to and it’s sad. As for us, we are DPP and DPP is our home and no one has monopoly of ownership over this party. Therefore, we are not going anywhere,” Botomani said.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Meanwhile, University of Malawi-based political analyst Ernest Thindwa has said DPP should also respect minority views, arguing that democracy incorporates views of all.
“All of this is happening because of leadership wrangles. This will only end if all people are given equal chances to contest for the position of president and the one to win should be supported by all,” Thindwa said.
On the endorsement, Mutharika said he is still consulting.
According to the party’s NGC, DPP is expected to hold its elective convention next year.
In a related development, some members of the NGC have called for another NGC meeting, with seven days’ notice before the meeting.
This follows another NGC meeting that took place in Mangochi recently, when Mutharika was endorsed as presidential candidate for the 2025 general elections, pending the holding of a national convention.
Speaking at a press briefing held in Lilongwe yesterday, DPP deputy director of political affairs Buxter Kita said members were bulldozed at the meeting that happened in Mangochi recently.
He said it is unfortunate that the Mangochi meeting was attended by non- NGC members, saying this is against the party’s constitution.
“We are living in a democratic society where issues of political party elections have to be discussed in an open and transparent manner. What happened when we went to this meeting is something we cannot write home about.
“For our party to be victorious again in 2025, we need people that will unite us and not continue to bring disagreements. We, therefore, demand another proper NGC meeting,” Kita said.
DPP deputy director of research and training Werani Chilenga said every party member should follow the procedures governing the party.
He said the members believe in an institution not in one person, hence there should be no shortcuts on party issues.
“When we attended the meeting in Mangochi, we were not served with the programme prior to the meeting. They imposed things on us.
“This is not how we do things. Therefore, another meeting is needed where non-NGC members will not be allowed to attend as per constitution,” Chilenga said.
Meanwhile, some of the NGC members have asked that the reforms document that was discussed at the Mangochi meeting should be shared with them so that they can familiarise themselves with the contents.
Commenting on the development, Namalomba said the members should submit their grievances through party channels.
He said party officials will gladly discuss their grievances and map the way forward.
“The party is very big and we all know proper channels for submitting grievances. The relevant officials are ready to receive such grievances and act on them,” Namalomba said.
