Malawi VP Chilima out of DPP presidential race, quits party
State Vice President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima has said he will not be challenging President Peter Mutharika during the forthcoming ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) convention and hinted he is withdrawing his membership from the party.
Addressing a news conference in Lilongwe, Chilima said he does not want to be seen as fighting the owners of the DPP.
The announcement eases tension in the ruling DPP over the power struggle that characterised the party for the past months as some members wanted Mutharika to step aside for Chilima.
“I will follow the due process to leave the party,” he said.
Chilima said he did not want to be seen as bringing confusion to the party founded by President Mutharika’s elder brother, Bingu.
He however said he would be announcing on whether he would be running for presidency or not in due course.
The Vice President did not give a clear indication to what his next political move will be.
Chilima condemned high levels of corruption and nepotism in the country.
The so called Chilima Movement official Joseph Chidanti Malunga MP said the movement is not disappointed that the veep would not be seeking a position in the party.
“We wanted him to be the presidential candidate. We will be meeting him to brain storm on the next step, what banner we will carry ,” he said.
Deputy DPP spokesperson Zeria Chakale said the party would remain intact even if Chilima leaves it.
“DPP is not one person, the vice president has exercised his right,” she said.
Political analyst Ernest Thindwa said Chilima’s attack on DPP government on corruption, nepotism, cronyism, regionalim should be cause for worry as it has eroded the image of the DPP.
Just last week, the Chilima Movemebt held a news conference which was led by the former cabinet minister and Mulanje West MP, Patricia Kaliati where they endorsed him as their presidential candidate against the incumbent president Muthariks whom they said has come of age and needs to retire politics.
The rift between the two factions in the party has created hate speeches and ridicule to the extent that the president himself said he was going to deal with anyone who is against him including those for the Chilima Movement.
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What is the difference with existing parties? A different face doing the same patrimonial politics?
Let SKC stand as an independent presidential candidate. Party politics have not served Malawi well.
Thumbs up Chilima. This is civilized politics. If he opted to contest certainly there was going to be a blood bath at the convention. Imagine Charles Mchacha in the same room with Boni Kalindo.
Its so easy to recognize that the speech has elements of some of Obama’s speeches and other American presidents.Trailblazing and forebearers etc and the style of the speech in the opening paragraphs is unmistakably an Obama style. Develop your style and learn to a knowledge somebody’s style and work.
On a different note, Malawians should learn to be patient and know what you are getting yourself into. This Chilima boy is a know it all, extremely arrogant and safuna kutsutsidwa. Iye amafuna kukhala ndi MA yes-bwana ndi MA wailers bas !!! Basop
Chilima is really a gentleman and truly civilized. He practices mature politics not zachimidzi za a Pitala zi. Kaya USA yake inali iti? No threats, no bad mouthing of those wishing you bad and you even wished them well. Pambuyo panu a Chilima.
Congrats SKC for deciding not to compete with APM, l manage to read nyasatimes watching & listen to TVM, Times Tv, Zodiac Tv in oder to clearly understand motive behind quiting to contest during DPP convertion & had l not slept around 11:30pm having listening to Times Tv programme l could not have appreciated the decision you have made. To say the truth Pililani Banda, Allan Ntata and Kasakula analysed the speach professionally and as of now we are just waiting to hear your next plan & all malawian who truly love the country are following whatever you are doing… Read more »
Chilima was mean with the truth about leaving Airtel. I dont think anybody with a sane mind would have done that going to something which was uncertain. He should have told us that his calling into politics coincided with the time his contract at airtel was expiring. On corruption Chilima should know that government is formed by a political party and he can not claim to have left the party and yet remain in government. Chilima is a true hypocrite and there is no sacrifice that he has made because what he wants is to enjoy his benefits at the… Read more »
EKOO!!!!!! Chilima.You have done what very few politicians could have done.On behalf of thousands of Malawian diaspora,I congratulate you for your valorous decision to part away from Muthalika’s corrupt and tribalistic regime.What you have done,vividly reminds me of the brilliant and pure Malawian patriots who revolted against their once WAMUYAYA Hastings Banda in Sept.1964,for his highhandedness to the Ministers and indeed,to the whole population.After the Ex Ministers:: Kanyama Chiume,Masauko Chipembere,Yatuta Chisiza,Rose Chiwambo,Augustin Bwanausi,Willy Chokani and two brilliant MPs Thengo Maloya and Adamson Akogo Kanyanya.Banda forthwith began to organise his killer rogoes in the name of Albert Muwalo, Gwede and John… Read more »
Out of order.
He was promised 2019 presidency if he stole votes for DPP in the 2014 elections but Pitala has become greedy. Now Chilima needs to tell the truth on how DPP won in 2014. I would not vote for this guy because he is the one who stole the votes for DPP and Malawians have paid a huge price. Chilima needs to put his badly bruised ego to rest.
Mbuyo monsemu mmene opposition mainly MCP imalira kuti yaberedwa Chilima analipo?
I am talking about 2014. Learn how to read and comprehend, fool! Chilima has contributed to the demise of this country by virtue of his position as VP of Malawi.
Advice to Chilima. Don’t be arrogant, you will end up like makatani. Politics is a dirty game. Now you will see who your real friend is. Ukanadekha, you would have been VP for the second time.
Osamangokhala munthu wamantha paliponse most people who are risk takers have achieved alot in life
bodza munthu susakhidwa kawiri u vasi pulezidenti AMALAWI TIDZITHA KUMANENA CHILUNGAMO.ULENDO UNO PITALA AMASANKHA MUNTHU WINA.
it was not guarantee, considering the conflicts in the party