Chimunthu out of 2014 parliamentary race

Speaker of Parliament Henry Chimunthu Banda on Tuesday announced he will not contest as Member of Parliament (MP) for his Nkhotakota North Constituency, saying he is taking a ‘sabbatical leave’ between 2014 and 2019.

He said he wants to open up his position to other aspirants and reflect on his next undertakings in politics.

In an interview yesterday, Chimunthu Banda said he also wants to concentrate on writing books, pursuing doctorate degree studies and farming.

Said Chimunthu Banda: “I am opening up the position to invite other equally credible contestants to go and serve the constituency. I want to give myself some space to carry out a reflection on what would be my next steps in politics after 2014.

“It’s not quitting as some people would put it, but having a sabbatical leave of some kind. I want to take an audit of my political journey. Depending on the reflection, we will see what God will tell us.”

The Speaker, however, said his constituents, especially chiefs, have been rejecting his wish not to contest. He said he will continue engaging with them to understand his position.

Added the Speaker: “I will still be available to offer my services to the nation in whatever way my services may be needed. At constituency level, I do regret to take this decision because I blended very well with members of the constituency. I understand their language and provided whatever they wanted from me as an MP.

“At national level, the institution of Parliament has been faced with high level of attrition whereby there is usually high turnover of MPs in every election. The institution requires a good blend of continuing MPs and new blood. I see that I will be a loss of one of the experienced Parliamentarians and this is a major source of regret.”

He said his first book will be out in January next year while the other two books, including his biography, will be published in due course, adding that content of the books will relate to the country’s politics.

Chimunthu Banda became MP in 1999 and has served government in various portfolios, including Cabinet and Leader of the House in Parliament. In April this year, he challenged Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika for the party’s presidency but lost.