Nankhumwa wins DPP vote to replace Chaponda as veep: ‘Celebrations at convention’
Scenes of jubilation erupted at Comesa Hall in Blantyre when the announcement was made that the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) convention had elected Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa as party vice-president for the South.
Nankhumwa, who is also Mulanje Central legislator and Leader of the Government Business in Parliament, overcame the challenge from fellow Cabinet ministers Joseph Mwanamvekha (Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development) and Henry Mussa (Trade, Industry and Tourism).
He amassed 774 votes against 401 for Mussa and 407 for Mwanamvekha.
Nankhumwa takes over the position which was occupied by former minister George Chaponda who withdrew from the race.
Chaponda withdrew from the race after it became too apparent that Nankhumwa would carry the day as the mention of his nomination by convention chairperson Nicholas Dausi was welcomed with thunderous applause from a majority of the 1 600 delegates.
He said after taking a huge amount of thought, he decided to “ step back and allow other people to take leading roles and I take an advisory role in the party, especially at a time when we are being confronted by challenges which we are addressing.”
Ecstatic youth, women and DPP members of Parliament sang and danced in jubilation at the convention hall.
“I have been praying. I’m happy that we now have a youthful vice president from the south. We hope that Nankhumwa can help to strengthen the party,” said one of the delegate.
Nankhumwa said he would work towards ensuring that DPP remains in government next year.
He will safe steep challenge to unify party in its stronghold Southern region, inheriting a party bitterly divided by a leadership election, insider fighting and corruption allegations.
The country is expected to go for the second tripartite elections in May next year in what is expected to be a battle between President Peter Mutharika, the DPP leader, and MCP president Lazarus Chakwera , who is also leader of opposition in Parliament, State vice-president Saulos Chilima and former president Joyce Banda.
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Uku ndikuvomereza kwa DPP kuti Chaponda anaba. Koma pitala wakhala akumuyikira mmbuyo
Its worrisome to see that some of the most experienced and better educated politicians did not make it in these elections.Most of those elected are young, not well educated and full of Muluziism (laziness,arrogance,get rich quickly mentality).This is unhealthy for the party.
My prayer is that the DPP shouldnot catch the Chilima syndrome (ie no respect for the elderly).
Congratulations Hon. Nankhumwa. We are very happy here in MJ with your achievements. Maso patsogolo tsopano.
WE DONT NEED YOUR ADVICE DR CHAPONDA. LET THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED LEAD THE PARTY WITHOUT BEING REMOTE CONTROLLED.
Chaponda should not come come anywhere near any government office.
Where are the women in the upper leadership positions? DPP made a lot of noises in regard to 50/50 Gender representation. Maybe it was one of those promises bound to be broken sooner rather than later. Why would women voters trust such party which dumps its women electorate in the time of need. If the party has broken this easy pact/promise, how about the developmental projects promised in the manifesto.
Nankumwa waiwonera patali game!!!!! Go for it mwana
Where are the women. I thought the DPP leadership will reflect 50/50 gender parity or was it just one of those necessary noises to get sympathy from women voters only to be used as toilet paper when crunch time comes.
“We are happy to have a youthful Vice President from the south” What does that tell you? What we have learn from DPP position is that it is good to let people choose their leaders and not let people go unopposed. This is what APM feared.
DPP has scored against itself by the self exclusion of Dr Chaponda. Throughout the maizegate saga APM has maintained Chaponda’s innocence. Now one sees the continuous embarrassment pouring on Dr Chaponda duringthe Mulanje-Blantyre water project and during his appearances at the court for maize the very DPP membership from which he wanted vice president votes booed at him now the Malawian people at large have been nursing grudges against him they were at all costs ready to repay him. People do read the evil in us for lack of space it just burns in them so for Ntaba the most… Read more »
This proves he stole. Judged by his own