Enock Chihana eyes Aford presidency but won’t run for 2014 presidential contest

Minister of Sports and Youth Development, who is also Rumphi Central Parliamentarian, Enock Chihana has declared his interest to contest for opposition Alliance for Democracy (Aford) presidency at its convention to be held in August this year (2013).

Chihana, who is also Aford’s national chairperson, disclosed his interest to run for the party’s hot seat in an interview after rally he addressed at Rumphi Boma on Sunday.

“Just as any member of the party will be free to contest in any position, I will also contest for the presidency at the national convention in order to rebuild the party in preparation for the forthcoming elections,” disclosed Chihana.

He further said the party will need about K30 million to cater for the convention.

“For the convention to be held in August this year, we will need about K30 million to cater for the convention’s expenses,” said Chihana.

Chihana: Wants to  be new Aford Czar
Chihana: Wants to be new Aford Czar

The party postponed its convention in April this year because it did not have enough funds to hold the indaba. However, Chihana said the postponement was a blessing in disguise as it has given people time to adequately prepare for the convention.

The minister also said all positions in the party will be up for grabs to any aspiring member of the party at the convention.

“The floor is open to all members from the party who wish to stand in any position at the convention. This convention will help the party re-organize itself ahead of the forthcoming elections,” he added.

Earlier this year, Chihana disclosed that Aford would not field a presidential candidate in the 2014 elections, saying the party would instead support the People’s Party (PP) and President Dr Joyce Banda.

“Aford is 100% in government and will ensure that President Banda remains in power come next year in the tripartite elections.

“We will only field parliamentary candidates in all the constituencies to rival PP, but not the presidential candidate,” Chihana said.

Aford was founded by trade unionist Chakufwa Chihana (father to Enock Chihana) in 1992. In the 1994 general elections, the party swept all the 33 seats in northern region and three others in central region.

By the time Chakufwa Chihana died in 2006, the party had only six parliamentary seats. Currently, it has two members of parliament, Khwauli Msiska and Enock Chihana who are both ministers in the PP led government.

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