Divisions in DPP over disputed Chikwawa primaries: Grain Malunga to contest as independent, Chomanika gets party ticket

Divisions have ensued in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Chikwawa North Constituency following the party’s decision to indorse Owen Chomanika as the winner of a disputed primary elections which fomer Energy and Mining Minister Grain Malunga pulled out.

Following the endorsemement, some representative of the area and zone committee members on Sunday matched to Honourable Grain Malunga’s residence at Thabwa trading center to persuade him to stand as an independent candidate. 

Speaking during an interview one of  the committee members David Makala wondered why DPP resolved that Owen Chomanika should represent the party as an MP when the primary elections were postponed. 

“It would have been better if the party was to resolve the disagreements on the number of deligates to vote at the primary elections that led to the postponement and conduct flesh elections.

“We feel surprised with the decision. We feel Mr. Grain Malunga has been robbed by the party to stand under Its ticket, so we are supporting him to stand as an independent candidate,” said Makala. 

DPP district Governor for Chikwawa Charles Makiyi confirmed that some committee members of the party have declared their support to Grain Malunga. 

Makiyi who nevertheless said he stand  by the party’s decision confirmed that they agreed that party officials that conducted the primary elections in the constituency should come back to resolve the  disagreements but they never did.

Efforts to get the party’s stand on the matter proved futile as the party spokesperson Honourable Nicholas Dausi said he needed more time before responding, when called again he never answered. 

Former energy and mining Minster Grain Malunga pulled out of DPP primary elections in October in Chikwawa North Constituency and wrote the party seeking a re_ run.

Malunga however said he did not get response from the party regarding his concerns until he heard the party announcing that his competitor Owen Chomanika was the winner of the primary elections. 

Malunga said, ” I have decided not to take the issue any further since the party has chosen its candidate. I know the party , they also did the same to me in 2014. As for me I have bowed to the wishes of the people to stand as an independent candidate”.

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Tizanka
Tizanka
5 years ago

Ati divisions in DPP kkkkkkk

Patrick Phiri
Patrick Phiri
5 years ago

Malunga is being ill-advised.

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