MCP district chairmen insists on Chakwera’s resignation

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) suspended District Chairmenhave reacted to the discontinuation of  their case,  by maintainging that they still want the puster of  party president Dr Lazarus Chakwera accusing him of failing to run the affairs of the party and that ailing retired party leader John Tembo should steady the ship.

Speaking during the briefing, suspended Chairmanfor Dedza Lakeshore district, Lackson Chimangeni Khamalatha, said there is need for Chakwera resign and that Tembo should take over his seat.

“We are told that the chairmen who voted Chakwera during the convention are old and not fit then we are saying that Chakwera was also illegally voted into the office, we are therefore asking Chakwera to give back the position to Tembo so that we can start afresh,” said Khamalatha.

Former MCP regional chairman for the south,  Mr Nanthumba said Tembo managed to run the party affairs well.

“There was peace in MCP but now you can see the chaos yourself,” he said.

During the news conference, former member of parliament who challenged Chakwera during the 2013 national convention, Lyghton Dzombe questioned the court ruling.

Dzombe, who  was flanked with Chatinkha Chidzanja Nkhoma, said  the money for convention is already available..

Former chairman Foloma Mwale said it is unfortunate that he has never seen what is happening now in MCP since he started politics with Kamuzu Banda.

“I have worked with Aaron Gadama, Louis Chimango, Dr Banda but I cannot retire until we rectify the problems,” said Foloma Mwale.

Mwale said the only way to resolve the problem in the party is to hold the convention.

The news  conference was held amid dismissal of the court case by the Lilongwe High Court where the chairmen had taken the party to court to rule that MCP should not hold district and regional elections.

Delivering a ruling on Monday Judge Charles Mkandawire dismissed the case saying the complainants were not available to defend the case.

Meanwhile, Chatinkha has dismissed reports that the district chairmen are being sponsored.

“We are using our personal money,” said Chatinkha a former Chakwera and Tembo close ally.

The chairmen have since appealed for the continuation of the case.