Former president of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), I would not wait for the convention to bar me from contesting as the party’s presidential candidate for a third consecutive term.

Being a seasoned politician, I should have been in the forefront to respect the party’s constitution which states very clearly that one cannot contest as the party’s presidential candidate more than twice.

Yes, I might have scored a point by accepting the wishes of the party members, but it would be wise not to toy around with the idea of tasting the waters in the first place.

If only I were uncle JZU [or is it Puludzu?], I would take heed of the advice from different quarters not to proceed with my intention to manipulate the constitution because the result, as we have all seen, was total rejection which, somehow, had an effect on my reputation as a respected seasoned politician.

How I wish I were the big shot that is John Zenus Ungapake Tembo, because I would realise that the writing was on the wall even prior to the convention that the majority of my party members wanted change. They wanted a younger generation in the likes of Reverend Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and Lovemore Munlo, SC; to breathe a new lease of life into the party.

That is if I were my man John Tembo. Fortunately, I am not him!