MCP unmoved on convention rules

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has stood its ground that only those that have been in the party for at least two years and previously held a position will contest for national executive committee (NEC) positions.

MCP’s position ahead of the party’s August 8 to 10 2024  convention comes after several groups, including some members of the party, expressed displeasure over the party’s resolution the MCP NEC passed during a meeting held on February 28 2024.

But in a statement yesterday, MCP national publicity secretary Ezekiel Ching’oma said preparations for the convention, being chaired by North North Region chairperson Kezzie Msukwa, are complete.

He said to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process, the party has developed a code of conduct which all party members, and aspiring candidates must adhere to.

Said Ching’oma: “They must have been a member of the Malawi Congress Party for a minimum of two years, demonstrating their commitment and dedication to the party’s values and goals.

“Additionally, they must have held a previous position within the party, indicating their experience and knowledge of the party’s workings.”

He further said the party values transparency and accountability, and, therefore, encourages its members to seek any further clarifications they may need.

The publicist added that the code of conduct sets standards for ethical behaviour and ensures that the convention is conducted with integrity.

“The forms have been dispatched to all regional offices and also at the Headquarters,” added Ching’oma.

Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) senior members Brown Mpinganjira and Esther Mcheka Chilenje, who joined the MCP and had expressed interest to contest at the convention, said they will consult on the matter before making public pronouncements.

After the resolution was passed in February, some frustrated members, such as Eddie Banda, who is eyeing the position of second deputy director of social welfare, wrote MCP secretary general (SG) Eisenhower Mkaka seeking clarity on the decision to change rules.

Earlier, University of Malawi law professor Garton Kamchedzera maintained that the NEC was acting within the law, but hastened to add that the decision can be challenged at the convention based on Article 63.