Kachali to beef up PP by-election campaign

Former Malawi vice-president Khumbo Kachali has vowed to beef up People’s Party (PP) campaign for Khwawa and Chiwanja by-elections in Mzuzu and Karonga respectively, to ensure that the party claims both wards.

The party’s regional provincial chair (North) Christopher Ngwira said Kachali will make a difference in the campaign, saying the electorate was unsure of the party’s future and the whereabouts of its president.

Speaking during a controversial meeting where he was endorsed as PP interim president, Kachali said PP commands respect in the Northern Region and no other party should be given room to claim the wards.

He called on party members to clear the ground for him by ensuring that all structures are in place.

Said Kachali:  “Even outside government, a party can triumph.  What we  need is unity. Party members have to be united and I am banking on your support to take the party to greater heights.”

Speaking in an interview on  Wednesday, Ngwira said the absence of party leader Joyce Banda is heavily affecting campaign. He said each time PP officials hold campaign meetings and they refer to Banda as the party’s leader, the audience asks for her whereabouts.

Banda left the country soon after losing the 2014 presidential elections.  n