Exclusion to ensure MCP

EISENHOWER NDUWA MKAKA is the secretary general (SG) of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) which leads the Tonse Alliance administration. His position has generated interest from several contenders ahead of the August 10-12 convention. Our Mzuzu Bureau Supervisor JOSEPH MWALE engaged Mkaka on this and other matters obtaining in the party. Excerpts:

Q

. How did you become the party’s SG in 2018?

A

.  I assumed this substantive role in 2018, when MCP was in opposition. Before then, I led a team of young MCP members and professionals in rebranding the party from 2012, when John Tembo was president of the party. After the 2013 elective convention, I served the party in different positions that prepared me to assume the role of secretary general. This happened after gaining confidence of owners of the party at the grassroots.

Q

. Generally, what is your role as SG?

A

. I serve as the de facto CEO of the party, responsible for galvanising and coordinating various functions to achieve our strategic and operational objectives. It is undeniable that transitioning from our previous position to where we are now was challenging, but it is through President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership that we have succeeded.

Q

. Several people are eyeing your position at the convention. What do you think is bringing such interest?

A

:  This reflects the vibrancy of our party and the depth of our intra-party democratic processes. I believe it also signifies recognition of the progress we have achieved. To be precise, it is a vote of confidence in my ability to make MCP an attractive vehicle for their leadership aspirations. This healthy competition showcases the diversity and dynamism within the MCP, indicating the maturity we have attained as a party. So, I am not intimidated, rather, I am pleased.

Q

. How will you ensure that the process is smooth and transparent at the convention?

A

. Transparency and fairness are non-negotiable principles for our party. With this in mind, a committee has been tasked to manage our elective conference from 10th to 12th of August this year. This committee will oversee robust mechanisms for delegate selection, voting procedures, and dispute resolution, ensuring the preservation of our deep democratic process. It has the mandate to proactively identify and address potential areas of conflict before they escalate.

Q

. What is your vision for MCP?

A

. MCP is deeply rooted in the four cornerstones of unity, loyalty, obedience, and discipline. Moving forward, I am committed to upholding these principles while ensuring our party remains relevant in the fast-paced modern world of politics and hence the inclusion of the “Chakwera Super Hi-5”, which stand for Servant leadership, Unifying the country, Prospering together, Ending corruption and Rule of law in the fabric and DNA of the party anchored by the four corner stones. I will continue engaging with members, actively listening to their concerns, and advancing our party’s agenda through collaboration.

Q

. Recently, the MCP NEC resolved to exclude certain members from contesting for NEC positions. What are the reasons for that?

A

. The NEC resolution is not motivated by malice or exclusion. Instead, it aims to ensure that individuals vying for NEC positions possess a profound understanding of the party’s principles and objectives. Article 35 (2) of the MCP constitution empowers the NEC to establish rules and regulations for conducting elections. The resolution has, therefore, been made to ensure that the MCP DNA is maintained and that there is no mutation of the genetic make-up of the party.

Q

. There have been queries that sometimes you are not accessible and, also, hinder other members from meeting President Chakwera?

A

. It’s imperative to balance accessibility with order, protocol and coordination. MCP is a large organisation with structures spanning across the country, including branches, areas, constituencies, districts, regions, and the NEC. These functioning levels must operate efficiently at all times. The perception of inaccessibility may stem from my leadership style, which prioritises discipline and order throughout our ranks and structures. Some may interpret this as inaccessibility, but our party structures exist to maintain administrative order and discipline, not chaos. Concerning access to the President, I prioritise the efficient flow of information and engagements, ensuring that all members’ voices are heard and considered through proper channels.

Q

. What are the most pressing challenges currently facing MCP?

A

. One of our major challenges is the mobilisation of resources to ensure that our operations are up to speed. There is also an enormous but subtle challenge of maintaining and sustaining our ideological integrity while simultaneously participating in the compromises necessary to form political alliances. Some challenges include external pressures, internal dissent, and the need to effectively communicate our policies to the electorate in this technological and fast-paced era.

Q

. How do you plan to address those challenges?

A

. We are conducting regular assessments of societal needs and concerns to tailor policies and initiatives accordingly. We are also prioritising the improvement of communication channels to engage with members across various platforms and mediums. We prioritise strengthening party discipline, fostering intra-party dialogue, and enhancing our communication strategies to resonate with the Malawian people. More importantly, we are also investing in leadership development and training programmes to empower party members, particularly our youths, on how to navigate complex political landscapes effectively.