New Labour Party convention postponed

The New Labour Party (NLP) maiden convention slated for this Saturday in Blantyre to elect the national executive committee and confirm the party’s participation in the May 20 Tripartite Elections has been called off.

The party’s publicity secretary Henry Nkulichi cited logistical problems, but maintained that the party remains steadfast to hold the convention in the near future.

He was elusive on whether the party failed to source K15 million (US$40 540) as announced last month at a press briefing in Blantyre by the party’s interim vice president Sam Mpasu.

“Money could be one of the elements, but that is not all. We are polishing up our manifesto and the convention will be held any time in November once the national working committee, the policy organ of the party, discusses these issues,” said Nkulichi.

But he could not say whether people have already started expressing interest to contest in respective positions of the national executive committee including that of the president and vice who  automatically become presidential candidate and a running mate.

At a press briefing last month, Mpasu hinted that the convention will give mandate to a presidential candidate and running mate who will be vice- president of the party.

Mpasu asserted that the party will participate in the polls next year in all fronts such as councillor, member of Parliament and State President.

New Labour Party was formed in November last year but was formerly registered as the 46th party on January 9 this year.

Former Finance Minister Friday Jumbe together with Mpasu and a few disgruntled UDF heavyweights formed the party after failing to reconcile with a faction led by UDF president Atupele Muluzi.