Political scientist faults DPP’s removal of elected SG Kalilani

Political science professor at University  of Malawi’s Chancellor College, Blessing Chinsinga has faulted ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  for removing its elected secretary general Jean Kalilani and some changes it has made to its National Governing Council without a convention.

Chinsinga said the changes of elected office holders replacing them with those appointedd were undemocratic and “raises the question of ownership of the party” who gave the positions to the officials with a vote at a convention.

“Such kind of restructuring has to be endorsed through a convention. On that basis, one may argue that the changes were not as considerate and undemocratic,” he argued.

Reacting to the sentiments newly appointed party spokesperson Francis Kasaira says the party constitution allows the party executive committee to make such changes when need be.

He said the party’s leadership has done nothing wrong in effecting the changes.

“A convention cannot be done after every few months or year. Minor restructuring may be done by the party’s executive as it has the mandate,” said the new spokesman.

Several positions have been changed in the party which saw Kalilani being replaced by new DPP secretary general Ecrain Julius Kudontoni.

The party has also appointed veteran economist and diplomat Ted Kalebe as Vice President for the Centre replacing Dr Hetherwick Ntaba who is heading to Britain as Malawi’s new High Commissioner to London.

Another DPP position of vice president has gone to Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr George Chaponda (south).

Leader of Government in parliament, Francis Kasaila is now the party spokesman replacing verbose Nicholas Dausi, who is heading state spy agency.

DPP has also appointed Richard Makonde as the new National Organizing Secretary taking over from Chimwemwe Chipungu who is now Safe Motherhood National Coordinator.

State Vice President Saulos Chilima is now a member of DPP National Governing Council as special advisor like Kalilani.