The recent infighting that has beset the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has forced independent Member of Parliament for Mangochi North Benedicto Chambo to withdraw his intention to join the party pending further consultations.
Chambo had earlier written the office of the Speaker of Parliament to advise that he had joined UDF after apparently being influenced by his constituents.
But in the latest development, the MP has again written the Speaker to withdraw his intentions, saying his constituents are not “convinced with UDF’s behaviour in Parliament”.
In a letter which The Daily Times has seen, Chambo says his decision has largely been influenced by the party’s failure to explain to its followers the direction it has taken with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
And speaking in an interview, the legislator said he is not against UDF entering into an alliance with the DPP or any other party, but insisted that there is need to clearly define the terms for the every relationship in order to cultivate support from members.
“I am a UDF member and my constituents can testify to this. My joining of the UDF was in fulfillment of the dreams and aspirations of the people of Makanjira. Now that the future of UDF is uncertain, my people have asked me to wait until such a time when the dust surrounding UDF’s future has settled,” said Chambo.
He said, at the moment, he will be supporting government policies from his position as an independent MP at the same time strengthening the UDF at the grass-roots level.
In a recent statement, UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga said the party’s decision to join government benches was done in the interest of the party after thorough consultations with its grass-root supporters.
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