National News

MCP differences widen

 

Internal dissent in Malawi Congress Party (MCP) appears to be far from over with district structures in the Southern Region calling for an immediate convention to resolve a “leadership crisis” in the party.

However, MCP deputy secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka said it was unfortunate that the officials were commenting on an issue they had earlier taken to court and awaits court decision.

The disgruntled district leaders told journalists in Blantyre yesterday that there were serious irregularities in the manner their president Lazarus Chakwera was implementing the party’s constitution; hence, the convention.

However, the fresh call for a convention comes at a time the matter is already in court after some disgruntled party leaders dragged the leadership to court to push for a convection.

Initially, the court ordered MCP to hold the convention within 90 days, but the directive was challenged before High Court judge Chifundo Kachale noticed grave disputes in the matter and stopped the holding of convention.

Some of the district chairpersons yesterday
Some of the district chairpersons yesterday

The misunderstandings in MCP emerged after Chakwera reportedly reshuffled the national executive committee (NEC) unilaterally when he removed some old faces in strategic positions and roped in new ones.

District chairpersons from Blantyre North, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Thyolo and representatives from other areas yesterday blasted Chakwera’s leadership style, likening it to a “careless driver”.

When contacted, Chakwera declined to comment and through his secretary, referred The Nation to Mkaka who said: “The president has nothing to say on the matter. Actually, we are surprised because these same district chairmen were part of those that petitioned the court for a convention and today they are calling for a press statement to talk about the same issue.”

However, the chairpersons said Chakwera was committing serious constitutional contravention which if not “addressed now, then the party is doomed come 2019.”.

According to the MCP constitution, the district chairpersons are the ones who have the mandate to call for the party’s convention.

Early this year, the party dispelled allegations that its leadership is being intolerant arguing that the problems were as a result of external influences.

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2 Comments

  1. It was wrong for the MCP leadership to reshuffle positions that were elected during the convention without seeking the mandate from the voters. To the outsiders like me, what I see is either intolerance from the leadership or fear of losing grip on power. whichever reason it is, what is happening actually shows that the leadership is gradually losing grip on power and it reflects badly on Dr Chakwera. It is this spirit of intolerance that made the previous leaders of MCP fail to win the general elections. I hope Chakwera is wise enough to discern the importance of inclusivity in a society.

  2. But hey do you take your grievances to the press to call for a party convention? By the way, who is paying for your costs incurred in the process? Mukudya kuwiri kapena?

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