Chomanika has ‘resigned’—DPP
Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has said the decision of its Chikwawa North legislator Owen Chomanika to join government as deputy minister is a constructive resignation from the party.
Presidential spokesperson in the party, Shadric Namalomba, said Chomanika, who was on Thursday sworn-in as Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, had informed party leader Peter Mutharika of his impending appointment.
He said: “He communicated to Professor Mutharika that because of the appointment, may he be allowed to quit in all forums for DPP, and that included the NGC.
“As a party that advocates for civil liberties and freedom of association, we couldn’t stop him, much as the president gave him some words of wisdom to think twice about his decision.”
Namalomba said Chomanika’s appointment is tricky as it was not discussed at central executive meeting held in Mangochi last week.
“In effect, it is a constructive resignation because even he, himself cannot be comfortable participating in the affairs of the DPP.
“Of course, legally, he has not crossed the floor as he has been appointed into Cabinet. But politically, he has crossed the floor.”
On Wednesday, Chomanika confirmed accepting the Cabinet portifolio, where he will deputise Richard Chimwendo Banda.
“I have accepted the appointment and notified the party president [Peter Mutharika] on the same,” he said.
Political analyst Humphrey Mvula earlier said the inclusion of Chomanika in Cabinet presents a tricky situation in Malawi politics.
President Lazarus Chakwera announced a 25-member Cabinet, excluding the Presidency, comprising 19 Malawi Congress Party members, four UTM Party members, and one each from People’s Party and DPP.
