Chaponda differs with Kudontoni on welcoming defectors in DPP

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for Southern Region Dr George Chaponda has said the doors of the ruling party remain open for those defecting from other parties to join even if they are fortune seekers contrary to what DPP secretary general Ecklen Kudontoni said.

Kudontoni is on record saying DPP will not leave its door to nomadic politicians to join its rank and file, saying most of them are simply looking for sympathy and favours from the current administration.

He said it will be ”absolutely immoral’’ to welcome the members who never supported DPP when it was in opposition and they want to rejoin it merely for personal fortunes because they are ruling.

However, Chaponda has said the DPP should allow members from other parties particularly from the former governing People’s Party (PP) interested to join the party.

Chaponda said DPP doors should remain open because “it is only by welcoming people from parties that we are going to increase the membership of the party.”

He said DPP members, who have been loyal and committed to the party over the years, should not feel threatened with the new members.

“Don’t think that they will take your positions in the party or feel that they are opportunists.  That’s what politics is all about,” said Chaponda.

It is reported that some members resigning from PP are repositioning themselves with the DPP.