MCP rescinds decision on independent candidates

Main opposition, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says parliamentary and local government candidates who failed party primaries can now stand as independents, rescinding its earlier decision.

Rev Munthali: Let them exercise their right to contest

The party forced the candidates to sign a memorandum of understanding three months ago which compelled them not stand as independents once they failed during primary elections.

But party spokesperson Maurice Munthali said the MCP has now decided to give a waiver, saying those who failed during the primary elections can now stand as independents.

“It is the right of anyone to stand as an independent candidate, the Republican constitution gives that right and we cannot take it away,” said Munthali.

Some candidates who failed during the primary polls have ganged up to work together as independent candidates but support Lazarus Chakwera during the presidential election.

The disgruntled candidates are accusing the party of favouritism and corruption in the conduct of the party primary polls.

A political commentator said the MOU which the party forced candidates to sign was not legally binding.

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Madala Madala
Madala Madala
5 years ago

Dr Chakwera has calculated that even if an MCP candidate (de facto or independent) does not win a constituency in an MCP stronghold- the parliamentary votes might be split, rendering a non-MCP candidate to win – the presidential vote will still go to him. The risk is that if he wins the Presidency he might have a minority in Parliament.

Chadzandiyani
Chadzandiyani
5 years ago

Thats it… “.Game of Numbers. Stand as Independent after loosing primaries while supporting the MCP leader Ochakwera. It sound good although the MP’s votes will be divided rather to the other hand, this will give boost to the side part of Presidency,

Change is needed
Change is needed
5 years ago

A strategy not to loose any presidential vote. To me it seams MCP is realy prepared for elections. Not other parties that are playing wait and see game. You will not have enough time clean the mass.

Old Timer
Old Timer
5 years ago

Chakwera and parliamentary seats can not be separated. Followers of independents will either vote for the Tiny Parties coalition or none. I cant understand why MCP couldnt see that. Is that what the party strategist advised them to say?. Malawi and African politics in general have no prescribed textbooks. They are led by factors on the ground. MCP should have just kept quiet, most of the independents would naturally cool down, six months is a long time to mourn for loss of primaries. Mutu umawawa when one cries for too long. They would care for health and stop crying. The… Read more »

Chadzandiyani
Chadzandiyani
5 years ago
Reply to  Old Timer

Mmmm OLD TIMER. I don’t think your views are good for the betterment of the Party. This strategy is good, it has now defeated those Parties who are at ” Wait and See”. There are some parties who has been waiting those people who loose during MCP primaries to be in their Camp side. But now alemba Mmadzi nkhanga zaona.

Madala Madala
Madala Madala
5 years ago
Reply to  Old Timer

I beg to differ on some of your observations, Old Timer . Do you know how many independents won in the last general elections? Do you know how many of those independents had initially “lost ” the primaries in their parties? The danger in this scenario is that there may be too many independents from the MCP competing in one constituency. The presidential vote may go to Chakwera, but the parliamentary vote may go to a non-MCP candidate. In this imaginary scenario, the MCP might then have a minority membership in Parliament even if Chakwera won the presidency.

steve
5 years ago

utm oyeeee

mark
mark
5 years ago

THIS IS IN ORDER HONORABLE MUNTHALI……IT’S OKEYYYY..

Reure
Reure
5 years ago

What type of political strategy is this? Acknowledging to divide your own votes. MCP tsopano.

Msasa
Msasa
5 years ago
Reply to  Reure

What did you want them to do?

Chadzandiyani
Chadzandiyani
5 years ago
Reply to  Reure

REURE…..(This is Mwambi Watsopano my friend. It needs big brains to think mwakuthwa and mwakuya.

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