Court reinstate Chihana, orders Aford to hold convention: Mwenifumbo to challenge him
Lilongwe High Court has restored Enock Chihana as Alliance for Democracy (Aford) president after the same court deposed him following the interlocutory order which the veteran politicians Dan Msowoya, Aford Secretary General (SG) Christopher Ritchie and Owen Mumbai obtained.
The Aford officials obtained the order restraining Chihana from acting as president following the expiry of his tenure of office in September this year.
Judge Charles Mkandawire observed that although the mandate of Chihana expired it is in line with the party tradition and constitution that the party president remains in office.
Mkandawire also ordered National Executive Committee to meet on 27 December 2017 and set the date of the Convention.
“NEC shall meet on 27 December 2017 to agree on when to hold the national conference or convention of the party, and the president is to summon this meeting of NEC,” reads part of the order, which further asks the party president to undertake full responsibility to ensure the security of everyone in the party
In a brief interview outside the court, Chihana said he was happy that democracy has won.
“Am happy Democracy has won, Malawians have won and Aford has won and its very unfortunate that issues which could be resolved politically as a family in a party people rush to court,” said Chihana.
Chihana said: “We will follow the court order and come with date of a convention.”
Karonga Central member of Parliament (MP) Frank Mwenifumbo has expressed interest to contest for Aford presidency against Chihana at the forth coming party’s convention.
Mwenifumbo made the declarations “ in response to the overwhelming request from members of Aford.”
In his reaction to court decision, Mwenifumbo said Chihana has limited powers as president for the party.
“President with mandate to summon the NEC and to oversee the processes to the convention. He can no longer fire or hire anyone. He is exploiting this outcome. Can anyone pride himself that he has been reinstated? This order simply strengthens the previous order,” he said
The party’s convention was initially scheduled for December 16, before it was rescheduled to April next year due to lack of funds, according to Chihana.
Chihana, who is also Rumphi Central MP, Chihana, said there is nothing wrong with Mwenifumbo contesting for the party’s presidency, saying he has the right to do so in a democratic world.
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I am not an AFORD ardent, but even at presidential level when there are squabbles in a country due to election irregularities, the sitting president does not stop to be president. He or she stops only when the results are out and has has lost, otherwise there will be power vacuum. Msowoya and team should have known better before going to court. Nthawi zina kusaukaku anthu amakufuna dala eti. You will have to meet the court expenses. Za ziii!.
Iwe enock ukuti wanthu wadumbilane ngati banja yet people are beaten while u watch. Is that democracy? U are going out as afford party leader. Matter of time. However u will have to remain in the party even if u lose. Merry Christmas and happy new year