Msonda to lead DPP members on demo over delayed convention

Concerned members of the National Governing Council (NGC) of the erstwhile ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have threatened a nationwide demonstration that will lead to the presentation of a petition to the party leader,  Peter Mutharika, if the Central Committee continues to delay a convention.

The concerned NGC members, who include Ken Msonda, DPP Director of Political Affairs, Baxter Kita, DPP Director of Elections, Mabvuto Kachali, and the party’s Deputy Director of Political Affairs, Fredrick Billy Malata, among others, said a convention is the only way the party can save itself from natural death.

They said they have noted with concern that what started as a mere family issue is slowly, but surely degenerating into a serious wrangle over leadership of the party.

“At first, we thought that the misunderstandings and disagreements that have rocked the party were a necessary evil that would entrench intra-party politics, but we have slowly regrettably so come to realize that the situation on the ground does not seem to show that the wrangles will end anytime soon; hence, our continued effort to engage with the concerned parties to find the best solution to rescue the situation.

“It is undeniable fact that political misunderstandings and differences have reached this stage because of three major reasons, which are delays in resolving the differences and misunderstandings, greed and power struggles whereby those in the Central Committee holding positions in the Functional Review Committee are putting personal political interests first before those of the party and nation at large,” said Kita as he read a statement to the media in Lilongwe on Thursday afternoon.

Msonda warned that should DPP continue its infighting, there will be wanton abuse power and resources by the Tonse government as there will be no influential party to provide checks and balances.

He observed that the Tonse administration has already started showing despotic tendencies way before clocking half of its term.

“And with the pace at which we are going, we will surely return to the one-party system of the government. I don’t think that’s what Malawians are looking for. So, we are here to plead with our party leader to seriously consider calling for a convention to resolve the issues that have brought disagreements in the party,” he said.

On the other hand, Malata said the concerned NGC members are ready to mobilize followers and supporters to demonstrate against the undemocratic tendencies by the Central Committee of the party.

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