DPP rejects Catholic Commission concerns on intra-party democracy

Malawi’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has rejected categorically the concerns raised by Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) that major political parties in the country including DPP are lacking tolerance and genuine intra-party democracy, a development that is threatening the country’s democracy.

CCJP’s National Secretary Martin Chiphwanya said  at a news conference in Lilongwe that his organisation is concerned with the continued civil war in parties.

“It is displeasing to note that instead focusing on strategic and political issues that have a bearing on our country’s governance structures, our political parties waste time with internal squabbles and bickering,” Chiphwanya said.

But Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francis Kasaila, who is also  DPP spokesperson dismissed CCJP’s concerns, saying  political issues should be understood politically and not as a church service.

Kasaila said DPP soes not agree with CCJP’s findings because they are a civil society organisation and DPP are a political party.

“If they want to understand issues better they need to dialogue with us because we have our own way of running a party,” Kasaila said, as quoted in the press.

But main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) conceded that they have been facing turbulence over dissenting views from all its members.

“Of course, fights derail development in any way, but let it be known that MCP is a stable party and we believe that the infights have external roots. We will sort out these issues once and for all,” said deputy secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka.