By Deogratias Mmana:
Political utterances by Minister of Homeland Security and Member of Parliament (MP) for Lilongwe East, Ezekiel Ching’oma, have exposed what observers believe is tit-for-tat politics within governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
On Sunday, Ching’oma and others vowed to deal with certain MCP officials, allegedly for attempting to unseat him as a legislator in the forthcoming elections.
Ching’oma claimed that there are four or five MCP heavyweights who are actively plotting the downfall of some MPs, particularly those long-serving ones who, he claimed, have fought tooth and nail to keep the party alive.
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He made the remarks during a political rally at Chowo Primary School ground in his constituency.
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He alleged that those being targeted include himself and other MCP lawmakers Lobin Lowe, Eisenhower Mkaka and Steven Malondera.
According to Ching’oma, those behind the plot are political amateurs who were not present when the party endured hardships while in opposition.
“We have done a lot for the party and it is unfair for some newcomer to plot the unseating of long-serving members. We will not allow that. It will be tit-for-tat and those behind the plan should be ready for the consequences.
“Who are you to say Ching’oma should be ousted? I want to use this podium as a warning that we will not allow that to happen,” Ching’oma said.
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Asked to clarify his remarks, Ching’oma said yesterday: “Take the message as it is. No amplifying.”
We also asked MCP Secretary-General Richard Chimwendo Banda to comment on the statements, and he said: “I have no official information about this.”
Political and governance analyst George Chaima said the remarks clearly show that there is no genuine democracy or respect for rights within MCP.
Chaima added that the scuffles point to the deep-rooted nature of intolerance in the party.
“We have seen more fights and undemocratic activities in MCP primaries than in any other party. Why? Because there is no genuine democracy in the party.
“It is time MCP demonstrated that those who fought for democracy fought for the natural rights of the people of this nation,” Chaima said.
MCP has been holding primary elections for a while now in preparation for the September 16 General Elections, with some contestants alleging voter manipulation and favouritism.
In some cases, those who have failed during the primaries have vowed to stand as independents, even though the party previously warned against such directions.
