MCP numbers swell to 52 in Parliament
Four members of Parliament (MPs) who made it to the National Assembly as independent candidates in the May 20 Tripartite Elections have joined opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), swelling the party’s representation to 52.
MCP deputy spokesperson Ezekiel Ching’oma confirmed in an interview on Sunday that his party’s strength in the House has increased following the coming to their benches of the four independent MPs.
He identified the four as Collins John Fletcher Kajawa of Lilongwe Mpenu Nkhoma Constituency, Peter Louis Chakwantha of Lilongwe South West Constituency, Peter Dimba of Lilongwe South Constituency and Dr Elias Chakwera of Dowa Ngala Constituency.
Said Ching’oma: “The four MPs officially wrote the party expressing their willingness to be part of our family and we have warmly welcomed them. Currently, we are conducting caucuses together. We have also already allocated them seats in the National Assembly.”
He said the party was pleased with the coming of the four and will work with them without looking at their independent background.
“This is encouraging as it signifies that MCP is the biggest party in the country that is why people are joining it instead of rushing to the party in power. The move will strengthen the party as it strives to serve Malawians better inside and outside Parliament,” said the deputy spokesperson.
He claimed more independents have shown interest to join MCP led by Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera, but are yet to make it official.
During the May 20 Tripartite Elections, a record 52 candidates won as independents in the 193-member House whereas the new governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) scooped 50 seats, MCP 48, the former governing People’s Party (PP) 26, United Democratic Front (UDF) 14 and one each for Alliance for Democracy (Aford) and Chipani Cha Pfuko (CCP).
In a separate telephone interview, Dimba said he decided to join MCP because it has always been his childhood political party.
“I have always belonged to MCP. I actually contested in the primary elections but some officials played games for me to lose. I would have joined the ruling party but I am not a greedy politician, I want to serve the people not to fill my pockets,” said the Lilongwe South Constituency legislator.
Independent benches’ numerical strength is slowly waning as Thyolo Central MP Gabu Khamisa also joined DPP.
If only MCP was not so Regionalistic! If only!
The party must change fast enough to remain relevant and have possibility of governing. There was a time when the party was national, when Chakuamba and JZU were strong leaders each representing a certain region but due to greed these two people failed to work together. I hope that the new leadership will see the benefit of becoming an inclusive party by allowing people in other regions to have influential positions (like the missed opportunity of not engaging with Munlo in the last elections should not happen again!!!!).
nambewe thus very true