PDM justifies existence after Mkandawire’s exit
The Peoples’ Development Movement (PDM) says it is bigger than any of its members regardless of name, financial status or creed because it is more than a political party.
PDM Spokesperson Msenga Mlungu said PDM is a movement therefore like all political movements its survival is based on commitment to particular ideals that transcend individuals including those in leadership.
According to Mlungu, a federal system of government remains the party’s most important ideal.
“PDM advances this position openly without any malice or evil intentions, and consistent with the freedoms of association and expression of God given ideas, as enshrined in the constitution. To be a PDM member one must believe in this ideal,” he said.
Former PDM Secretary General Harry Mkandawire ditched the party in December 2011 and joined Peoples’ Party (PP) of State Vice President Joyce Banda.
Announcing his resignation at a PP rally at Mzimba Boma, Mkandawire said had no chance to unseat DPP in 2014.
Mkandawire, who helped found PDM, was a major benefactor to the party’s coffers particularly during the Rumphi Central bye elections which Aford won.
But Mlungu said PDM will move on.
“People have speculated about PDM dying. Movements do not die because they are an idea. Movements are bigger than an individual and survive beyond any personality. Members may die, resign and or move on but not an idea, not an ideology,” Mlungu said.
He said this in a press statement released on Tuesday titled “Issues of leaving and joining the Party” and a copy made available to Nyasa Times.
“People joining PDM do so with sobriety in its ideology and must believe and live it. Those in PDM only for the sake of political power are in the wrong boat. Those in PDM must be there first as believers of the ideals and through that attain power for the selfless service of others,” Mlungu said.
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