Uninspiring APM, Nankhuwa: DPP circus continues
The past weeks have been quite eventful. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leadership has tussled each other from one court to the other. At every turn, there was a press statement from Kondwani Nankhumwa and his wailers or Peter Mutharika and his stooges.
DPP infighting has happened since the party lost the presidential election in 2020. So, this internal fighting was inevitable, and if I must add, it will go on until 2025 and even beyond unless Peter Mutharika is bold enough to hand over the reins of the party.
If truth be told, both APM and Nankhumwa do not inspire confidence and if they insist on being the party’s torchbearers, they might as well kiss goodbye to the dream of DPP ever governing again.
APM is old and tired. Not that I am discriminating against age, but honestly, he looks tired, uninspired and out of tune–not quite the right person to be given the top job.
As for Nankhumwa, a lot has been said about him, but I would say he is greedy, and uncharismatic and also do not inspire confidence as someone who can ably articulate issues of national interest. As the leader of the opposition, Nankhumwa has failed miserably to lead his pack in ensuring that those in government do as they please. Nankhumwa has given this current a free pass by being passive and showing little interest in holding the government accountable on several issues.
It is sad to see what was supposed to be the biggest opposition party, self-destruct.
For this country and its democracy to thrive, there is a need for a strong opposition. DPP needs to put its house in order and do what it is supposed to do, and that is offer checks and balances on the government’s excesses. For a healthy democracy, a healthy opposition is as important as a strong government. It helps keep the regime in power under control.
A strong opposition prevents those in power from developing arrogant and autocratic deviations from the path of progress and democracy by questioning such steps, assessing their policies objectively, and also giving important inputs.
Presently, this country is suffering from the most non-synced and unprepared opposition. The opposition’s voice, especially the DPP is muted, everywhere. The only time the party is heard is when Nankhumwa and his wailers are seeking some court injunction or APM and his stooges are responding to some statement from rival camp. It is a circus that must stop for the good of this country.
