PP youth network wants to unseat MPs

New Blood New Parliament, a youth network in People’s Party (PP) has emerged with an agenda of unseating veteran MPs during the 2014 elections because the network feels the current crop of MPs has failed to serve the people.

According to some network members, the organisation was born soon after President Joyce Banda came into power in April this year, but was stopped from going public to allow MPs to pass the 2012/13 national budget.

The network’s coordinator, who is also PP’s deputy administrative secretary Joseph Chikwemba, confirmed the existence of the network, saying it is composed of young men who are aspiring to become MPs in 2014 elections.

“We, the youth, that stood with the President in tough times must also make sure that she has her own sons and daughters in Parliament,” said Chikwemba in an interview last week.

Asked whether the network will not breed trouble with veteran MPs and aspiring MPs, Chikwemba said: “The reason our Parliament has lost credibility is because we have MPs who are used to the system; too familiar with the system.”

Chikwemba said the network will also advocate for intra-party democracy.

PP secretary general Henry Chibwana on Friday said the issue needs consultation.

Chancellor College political science lecturer Dr. Mustapha Hussein cautioned the network against operating outside party ranks.

“They need to learn new things from the old guard. There should be need for integration,” said
Hussein.