I will run for MCP presidency –Daza
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) secretary-general Dr Chris Daza says he will seek the party nomination at the convention to become its presidential candidate in 2014 elections.
Speaking on Capital Radio Straight Talk programme aired on Tuesday, Daza said he is optimistic to get the convention nod to become the president of MCP and fight for the country’s most prestigious political job.
“I am ready to offer, I am ready to serve the party at that level. I am very, very ready,” he stressed.
“Come convention for MCP, yes definitely I am running,” he said when presenter Brian Banda asked him if he would run for presidency.
“If the convention elects me to be the president there is a lot of work which we need to do. We need to rebuild our structures. Grassroots strictures of Malawi Congress Party,” Daza said.
Asked on the talk of town that Malawi needs an “Obama generation” of leaders, Daza said he relates to the youth and called for Malawi to “move away from politics of acrimony.”
The presidential hopeful said he was ready for any challenge from any member of MCP including Chris Chaima Banda who also expressed interest to run.
“I don’t really mind who comes. Whoever wants to come and compete its open as long as the constitution allows them to participate in this contest. If its 100 people lets go,” he said.
Daza however pointed out that MCP president John Tembo is barred by article 36 of MCP constitution to have a third run for the presidency.
“According to the constitution [Tembo] cannot represent Malawi Congress Party in 2014 elections,” explained Daza.
He stressed that the 78-year-old veteran politician is barred by the party constitution to contest for the presidency under the MCP ticket for the consecutive third time.
“The constitution does not allow him to run. The constitution of Malawi Congress Party is very clear in black and white . It only allows you to contest for two terms,” said Daza
“I am hoping he will honour the constitution and bow out,” he said.
Tembo hinted recently that he does not harbour plans to retire soon.
Daza also said he has always been an MCP member.
“I owe a lot of initial experience [in politics] to people like Brian Mungomo and [Nicholous] Dausi. These are the people who coached me (when Gwanda Chakuamba was president of MCP),” he told the radio.
Daza is a senior fellow of the Geneva Institute for Leadership and Public Policy. He is also an evangelist.
“I am a born again believer. I believe in God,” said Daza who made his name when he was an interpreter during the visit of internationally known Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke .
Asked if evangelism can go together with politics, Daza said his deep religious conviction can help him in leadership.
“Real politics is in the bible. Politics in any sense is about governing people and it’s God that put government,” he pointed out.
Daza says he is guided by the message of the scriptures that say when the righteous rule, people rejoice.
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