DPP will rule beyond 2014 ‘like it or not’ -Zikhale
By Thom Chiumia, Nyasa Times
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will continue ruling Malawi beyond 2014 elections, newly appointed campaign director Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma has declared.
“DPP is now very cleaner party,” said Zikhale on Straight Talk programme aired on Capital Radio Thursday.
“At 2014 you like or not DPP will still be ruling this country,” he declared emphatically.
Zikhale also gave a thumps up to the nominated presidential candidate for DPP, Professor Peter Mutharika, saying the current Education Minister has what it takes to steer the party to power in 2014 polls.
“Peter Mutharika has got charismatic leadership,” said Zikhale.
Zikhale who worked with President Bingu wa Mutharika in United Party in 1999 and then together joined UDF and then formed DPP, later he dumped it to join New Republican Party, then back said Mutharika’s party was gaining popularity contrary to what analysts are saying.
“DPP support is growing,” said Zikhale, claiming that he has a list of people that will be joining the DPP.
“I have a list of people that they want to join DPP from MCP, from UDF,” he said. “We will be announcing shortly.”
Zikhale said as campaign director his role is “to advise the president on issues regarding strategic campaign process. Strategies for DPP winning formula for 2014 elections and all by-elections.”
In surprise talk, Zikhale exonerated DPP from the gang of youth riding on party branded pick-ups brandished and wielded machetes in the streets of Blantyre in open trucks on July 19, threatening ‘to deal’ with anybody opposing government.
At least five official DPP vehicles carrying the machete-wielding DPP Youth Cadets – a youth wing of the ruling party – were seen driving around the city of Blantyre only hours after two vehicles belonging to an independent private radio station were set alight by masked men ahead of anti-government nationwide demonstration.
But Zikhale said they could have been elements of opposition using DPP colours and vehicles to tarnish the party’s image.
“Nothing of that nature was planned. If was a DPP policy that would have seen all over the country,” he said.
Zikhale who said he was president of the vendors in the past however said the DPP was investigating the matter.
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