Political parties debate 2014 polls in Mzuzu
The National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust will today face political parties at a debate which seeks to discuss the preparedness of political parties for the 2014 Tripartite Elections.
The debate under the topic Are you satisfied with the level of political parties preparedness ahead of the May 20, 2014 Tripartite Elections? will be held in Mzuzu.
Political parties that are members of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) are expected to inform the public how they are preparing for the elections.
Nice executive director Ollen Mwalubunju told The Nation in an interview that the debate has been organised because political parties are about to hold primary elections to identify candidates for next year’s elections.
He added that the debate has been funded by European Union (EU).
“At this forum, people will be able to ask questions to their political parties. For example, people should know the issue of running mates. At what levels have the political parties reached in choosing the running mate? At what stage have political parties reached with the making of their manifestoes?” said Mwalubunju.
The United Democratic Front (UDF), People’s Party (PP) and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) confirmed that they received invitations from Nice and that they will participate.
UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga said: “UDF is very prepared for the debate. We are ready to tell people how we are preparing for the tripartite elections. For example, they will know more about our manifesto which will be out in January.”
PP’s Secretary General Paul Maulidi said his party will be represented by PP’s provincial chairman for the North Frank Mwenefumbo.
“As a party, we have met and put all necessary structures in preparation for this debate so that Malawians are fed with information about PP,” said Maulidi.
MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila said: “MCP will be there at the debate. Our party will be represented by the deputy secretary general.”
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Nicholus Dausi also confirmed attendance.
“Yes, we are ready to take part in the debate,” he said.
