Aford supporters clash, convention postponed

The much awaited Alliance for Democracy (Aford) elections at the national convention held in Mzuzu had to be postponed to Saturday because candidates disagreed on speakers from other parties.

The candidates included acting  party president Godfrey Shawa, Minister of Youth and Sports Enoch Chakufwa Chihana and Secretary General Khwauli Msiska, former deputy  Speaker  Loveness Gondwe and  UK based Sad Kaseka Munthali.

Officially opening the convention after almost 14 hours of waiting, Shaba said it was time that the northern region regains its political muscle by having a single party that would be synonymous with the region.

Shaba then asked one by one the former Presidents of National Rainbow Coalition, Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and National Patriotic Front. to address the delegates and explain why they have disbanded their parties to join Aford.

Loveness Gondwe arriving at Aford convention, aspiring to lead the party
Loveness Gondwe arriving at Aford convention, aspiring to lead the party

In her speech Gondwe said NARC was disbanded in favour of Aford because there was need for a stronger political force in the region.

However, Gondwe courted Chihana’s ire when she said that she will give all delegates (900+) allowances, food and transport refunds.

Ironically, Chihana voluntarily interrupted the speech of Loveness Gondwe, who is married to Yeremiah Chihana from addressing the delegates because he (Enoch) felt that Gondwe was addressing them as party president.

Chihana said it was wrong for Gondwe  to support the delegates because she was a newcomer.

The Minister of Sports a came to the venue, Marymount Secondary School at around 11:40 am with a two vehicle convoy and a horde of supporters clad in Aford branded T shirts and Caps.

His supporters chanted that he was the “Obama of Malawi.”

While Gondwe  came to the venue with a four vehicle convoy and some supporters, who slowly chanted that it was time for Aford to regain its lost glory by becoming the sole party in the northern region.

There were also disagreements following the increase in number of delegates who have arrived at the convention.

According to Aford Publicity Secretary Dan Msowoya 700 members were invited at the convention but to everyone’s surprise over 2000 delegates have arrived at the convention.

Aford supporters dancing
Aford supporters dancing
Aford delegates in the convention hall
Aford delegates in the convention hall

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