MCP puts chaotic primary elections on hold

Main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has put on hold primary elections for parliamentary and local government elections amid concerns from aspiring candidates that this would negatively affect the preparations for the 2019 Tripartite Elections.

Mkaka: The primaries are on hold

MCP secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka has confirmed the postponement and described it as a “domestic matter.”

However, reports indicate that the party has put on hold the primary elections because the newly launched United Transformation Movement (UTM) has proved to be a force to reckon with.

A source in the MCP said the party would want to hold the primary elections after the UTM first holds its own primary elections.

“The thinking is that if the MCP holds the primary elections now, the losers would defect to UTM and this would affect the party preparations for the 2019 elections,” said our source.

MCP vice president Harry Mkandawire said there were some “logistical problems” that the party want to do first before holding the primary elections.

But political commentators Mustafa Hussein and Ernest Thindwa have faulted political parties for the delays in holding the primary elections.

Thindwa said main political parties needed to hold primary elections so as to allow people choose candidates of their choice, saying the delays in holding the primary elections might put candidates not wanted by people on the ballot paper.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party has also put its much touted August primary elections on hold as the party has gone back to the drawing board following the popularity of the UTM.

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Kwacha
Kwacha
5 years ago

Useless article and u and he UTM kagwrreni.You cannt win the general elections just wait for it pain. D PP mwagawana zida…….and you are fighting each other. mayi ku UTM bambo ku DPPaliyense…..ndiye tiziti tisintha zinthu pamalawi? You want to push Chakwera to be saying things he doesn’t. He is a smart guys observe him. He work within systems and people. Very democratic and strategic. When he talks he talks sense not just rumours and illusions……. Why do u want Chakwera be talking as if he is launching a movement? He has a natural backing. The youth like us who… Read more »

Mapwiya
Mapwiya
5 years ago

UTM Kodi ndi chipaninso???Chipani cha pa social network basi . Mmidzi simuzamva za United Transport Malawi. Mtsogoleri wake nakhala Che Saulos ndi Che Michael Ussi wa drama!!!Zibwana a Malawi. Mukachuka pa sewero mwati basi mupiteno ku ndale ??? Ndiye kukalowa kwa anthu akuba a Ngalande , a Makande, chekweni a kwa Nkando omwe anthu kwawo sawafuna !!!!. Tapitani mmidzi momwe anthu amavotera a ndale mukafunse za UTM!!! Mukafunse za Winiko mukamva kuti anawathawa. Iwalanai za UTM Ife it’s either MCP Or DPP boma basi

Jamax
Jamax
5 years ago

Dr. L. Chakwera where are you hiding? as one of the main ACTORS in the Political arena you should be seen acting on stage – the only guy we are hearing now is Mr. Mia he is fighting like John Cena. But why is it that your players are fighting on your primary elections this dangerous … Don’t be afraid This young Guy who is blazing like bush FIRE has no teeth to bite. the FIRE which he has ignited has also no future – it is GRASS FIRE it will soon fade out. But the problem with you is… Read more »

Chakwera all the way
Chakwera all the way
5 years ago
Reply to  Jamax

Jesus never advertised where he was going and what he did

Gas Machine Head
Gas Machine Head
5 years ago

As a journalist myself, one can tell that the author of this article is opinionated. In other words, he has placed his own opinion in this article which is not objective in nature. It is very clear from this peace that Owen Khamula is biased towards the UTM. If one would have watched TV from Times to ZBS last night, you could see that these primaries within the MCP had to be suspended. Incumbent MPs are doing all they can to remain in power. Because some constituents are fed up with them, they end up violently rioting against them as… Read more »

Heavy-duty
Heavy-duty
5 years ago

Kikikikiki Anyani kusekana zokhalila tu uku, kikikikiki. Ife tikamanena kuti most of you guys sindinu atola nkhani, you are politician, you are not objective in your reporting, you are uneducated, MIJ sikukuthandizani, you publish what you think and not what has happened, you publish what Donald J Trump call “FAKE NEWS,” you are useless, you are ignorant, you don’t report news rather you invent or create news, ndinu mbuzi za mano kunsi, you are worthless. Tikatero mumakana koma siizi nanga? Mu Malawi mukuchitika zitukuko zambiri but all you write ndi zoipa, zakumapwala zokhazokka basi. Amalemba nkhani za nzeru ndi a… Read more »

pathfinder
pathfinder
5 years ago

Kodi nanunso olemba nkhani ku nyasatimes. Chipani chilichonse chikapanda hold decision ndiye kuti akuopa UTM? UTM ndikachaninso,? Siinapange convention, UTM kulibe ku malawi electoral panopa ndichipani chomangotokota pantunda pokha baasi, ndiye ndiliti lomwe adzapange primary election popeza ayamba kale kunganilana ma udindo?

Takwalakwa
Takwalakwa
5 years ago

Popularity of UTM! Kikikikikiki, Chipani cha Mtauni

Albert
Albert
5 years ago

political scientists sometimes to tend to error when giving directions to political parties. let them put on hold for they know what the next move be taken . So lets wait and see

Mundali
Mundali
5 years ago

You political scientists it is time to appreciate the decision to postpone primary elections by political parties. It is strategic decision, see how politicians are moving in all directions. A political party that wants to win election should pause first for the dust to settle. It is time you gave an advice and opinion to politicians who are changing colours to stop. they are confusing the electorate.

Patrick Phiri
Patrick Phiri
5 years ago

These guys are failing to manage affairs of their own party, how can Malawians entrust them with management of national affairs? It’s a total shame.

GIRIMOTI
GIRIMOTI
5 years ago
Reply to  Patrick Phiri

Miitu sikugwira!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nzeru balalaa!!!!!!!!!!!! Thukuta chuchuchuchu!!!!!!!!!!!! UTM BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kawawawa
kawawawa
5 years ago
Reply to  Patrick Phiri

Parties should always strategize for elections, dust will soon settle down and battle line are yet to be drawn. parties are known as parties, movements are known as movements, fronts are known as fronts.

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