JZU urges support for Chakwera: Msowoya elected MCP veep, Daza retains SG post
Leader of Opposition and former president of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) John Zenus Ungapake (JZU) Tembo bade the party farewell with an appeal to its members to support his successor, Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
Tembo on Sunday returned to Natural Resources College which was the venue of MCP convention hat elected Chakwera president on Saturday and told the delegates in his handover speech that the entire party should rally their support behind the new leader
The former Assemblies of God Church president, Chakwera, was elected MCP president and the party’s 2014 torch bearer after trouncing 10 other contestants during hotly contested and highly regarded as credible elections held on Saturday.
Tembo asked MCP members to “pull together” and “support” Chakwera to rejuvenate the party and lead it into government next year.
The 81-year-old politician recognized Chakwera as MCP president and said he will render his support to his leadership.
“Why do we become members of the party? Is it not to win elections in order to build a better Malawi? I would like to declare my support for President Chakwera as he is the only hope MCP and Malawi has to restore the development we have been dreaming about,” said Tembo.
Tembo said he was going into political retirement: “Yes, I am old. Most of my friends died. But everyone’s life is in God’s hands.”
Elections of NEC
On Sunday MCP continued with the elections of executive members.
The delegates elected Karonga –wealth former minister Richard Msowoya as its first vice President with MacDonald Lombola second vice President.
Chris Daza retained his position as Secretary General of the party after his attempt for the presidency failed. He will be deputized by Chatonda Kaunda after a resolution was made for the northern region to nominate someone for that position.
Former broadcaster and ambassador Tony Kandiero was elected MCP’s new Treasurer General.
Due to time limitation, MCP convention could not fill all other position and a resolution was made that all the regions should submit candidates for various positions to the new President who the convention has since mandated to appoint but based on regional balance.
