Aford factions risk contempt of court charges
Embattled twin Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) factions risk contempt of court charges for defying a Mzuzu High Court order to mutually elect an interim President and Secretary General to run party affairs while the factions run court battles as they try to bring sanity among themselves, Nyasa Times has established.
“We are looking at alternatives to appointing a caretaker committee. But both sides seem to agree that a fresh convention is inevitable. But presently it is wise that we revert to our NEC positions before the convention,” former Publicity Secretary Dan Msowoya said.
Aford held its national convention from 6-7th September, 2013 at Mary Mount Secondary School in Mzuzu but due to various disagreements and violence other stakeholders boycotted the event.
Chihana got 515 against Khwauli Msiska’s 45, who was voted in absentia, Gladson Kaseka Munthali collected 15 votes while Shaba withdrew from the race.
Some of the prominent officials who boycotted the convention are: are former acting president, Godfrey Shawa, former secretary general, Khwauli Msiska, former and a newcomer and Presidential candidate, UK based Sad Kaseka Munthali.
Msowoya sought an injunction behalf of eight others stopping the newly elected Aford NEC headed by President Enoch Chakufwa Chihana from assuming office until the determination of the matter or until a further order of the court.
Msowoya told Nyasa Times in an interview this week that the two factions had commenced dialogue saying they are optimistic of an amicable settlement.
Ironically, the talks are between former Secretary general Khwauli Msiska and Chihana according to Msowoya.
He also said that his faction has a prima facie case that the elections were unprocedural, unfair devoid of tenets of democracy and the basic principles of the party.
“Two people cannot function as Aford NEC and they cannot be called as such,” Msowoya said.
While Aford young Czar Enoch Chihana fell short of calling the Court order as misplaced saying the party’s constitution has not provision for any caretaker committee.
“We are respecting the court order that is why we are holding talks. But the Msowoya faction has to recognise me first and foremost as Aford President before we can chart the way forward,” Chihana said.
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