DPP presidential hopefuls speak on convention
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential hopefuls have expressed diverse views on the forthcoming elective convention with some expressing concern on the secrecy surrounding dates and general directions.
DPP said it would hold an elective convention this year in line with its statutes that provide for such a gathering every five years. The dates this year fall between July 1 and 3, but the party leadership is mum on the matter.
Meanwhile, a group of youths from all the country’s regions led by Happy Kathumba has since written to all the aspiring presidential candidates and party leader Peter Mutharika, expressing worry over matters surrounding the convention.
One of the candidates, Kondwani Nankhumwa, who is also the party’s vice-president (South), expressed worry with the arrangements, saying he fears a constitutional crisis if the convention is not held by July 3.
He said: “The concerns from the youth are very genuine. I am worried because we have a particular timeframe for NGC members to hold positions, which is five years and that ends on 2 July. If nothing happens, I fear a DPP constitutional crisis.
“As it is, we cannot even replace delegates who left because that was supposed to be done in 2021 during a mid-term political conference, which we didn’t have. We just hope that we didn’t lose many delegates.”
Former minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka, who is also an aspirant, condemned the youth for going public with their concerns, but said he was one of those who want unity to prevail in the party because divisions will make it fail during in 2025 elections.
“Parties generally have conventions prior to the general elections, and I hear that some parties will do their conventions next year. So, if ours is this year, I am ready for it,” he said.
On his part, another aspirant Paul Gadama, speaking from the USA, said the DPP constitution was clear regarding holding of convention, adding, he remained sure that all processes and procedures will be followed in its handling .
Two other candidates, Bright Msaka (VP East) refused to comment while Dalitso Kabambe could not be reached for comment.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said he would not be responding to Kathumba’s concerns. However, he said the party leadership was working towards the convention.
“The national governing council will be meeting soon, I will be announcing that very soon,” he said.
Cracks in DPP came to light in August 2020 after secretary general Grezelder Jeffrey told The Nation that party leader Peter Mutharika had done his part and that the party needed a new person to lead it into the future, calling for an early convention.
