Mass exodus in DPP as Mia, others defy Peter Mutharika
Scores of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members have pledged their allegiance to newly installed President Joyce Banda, subsequently marking an end of the once mighty ruling party.
Banda has her own People’s Party which she formed after being expelled from the DPP for opposing moved by President Bingu wa Mutharika to hand over power to his brother Peter.
DPP named Peter Mutharika as its president on Friday, though it did not then confirm the president had died.
- Mia: Defies DPP coup plot
The Mutharika’s party which was initially ushered into government through the back door when late Mutharika dumped UDF a party which sponsored him into office is now at the bleak of doom.
When Mutharika died on Thursday, DPP top gurus were plotting to subvert the constitution to prevent Banda from taking power but its treasurer general and minister of transport, Sidik Mia defied Peter Mutharika saying he would be loyal to the Constitution.
He also led a group of the voice of reason which went to Her Excellency Banda giving her authority to address cabinet.
Mia challenged DPP that he would respect the authority of President Banda.
Some of the ministers that have openly declared their support for the first female president in Malawi include Ken Lipenga, Lucious Kanyumba, John Bande and Aaron Sangala.
A good number of DPP members of parliament are dumping Peter Mutharika.
Minister Yunus Mussa and 17 Members of Parliament from the central region on Saturday also announced allegiance to President Joyce Banda.
Other DPP members from the central region who have also announced their support for Banda, include Ken Kandodo (former Finance Minister), Abel Kayembe (former Leader of Opposition), Geofrey Kamanya, Sosten Gwengwe, and Lecford Thotho.
“We want to help the Vice President to govern this nation and rebuild the country. Malawi is facing a lot of challenges and the new President can only deliver if she works together with MPs. The Peoples Party (Vice President’s party) has no MPs in Parliament and we, as representatives of the people, we decided to work with the Vice President so that our people can benefit from development projects,” Kandodo said.
Other MP who have declared support include Halima Daudi (Dowa South), Ulemu Chilapondwa (Mchisi South), Ellen Chisale (Mchisi East, Herbart Bimphi (Mchisi North), Benjamin Chikusa (Dowa North), Fredrick Kamwangala ( Lilongwe North West), Shadreck Jonas ( Lilongwe City Central), Edward Bagwanji ( Lilongwe City West) and Grain Malunga from Chikhwawa North.
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