PP expels 18: Mwawa, Mughogho, Thindwa axed
Malawi’s ruling People’s Party (PP) has expelled 18 of its members who have decided to contest as independent candidates in May 20th Tripartite Elections.
Some of the notable faces expelled from the party include former MBCtv sports presenter, Saulo Thindwa, former deputy Minister of Transport, Chimango Mughogho, Good Kayira and former Minister of Education, Yusuf Mwawa.
The list of those expelled released by the party on Friday also included the Publicity Secretary, Hophmally Makande and deputy Secretary General, Frank Mwenefumbo, deputy national International Relations Officer, Olipah Muyaba as well as Jones Chingola who were first expelled from the party last month.
Surprisingly, the party listed other three members, Sam Ganda of Nsanje Lalanje constituency, Naomi Chidiwa, Ntcheu West and Benedicto Chambo who was second deputy Director of Elections who officially resigned from the party earlier this year after being dissatisfied with primary elections’ outcome.
Acting Secretary General (SG), Paul Maulidi said in a statement that the list of those officially expelled could be higher than the listed 18, and has warned them against any usage of party symbols, materials and slogan during their campaign rallies or at any other place.
“The Peoples Party National Secretariat wish to announce that the party has resolved to expel with immediate effect its party members who are contesting on an independent ticket during the forthcoming Tripartite General Elections,” reads part of the statement.
Maulidi argued that PP has fielded one candidate in every constituency and that it was candidates who were issued with the party’s certificate of candidature signed by President Banda that were legitimate.
“Those who were holding positions in the party cease to hold such positions with immediate effect; those in possession of party property or materials are demanded to surrender the same to the National Secretariat or provincial office forthwith”.
Maulidi has since warned members against organising or participating in their capacity as party officials in campaign or any political meetings organized or conducted by those expelled.
Following is the list of those whom have been expelled; Frank Mwenefumbo, Karonga Central; Hophmally Makande, Mongochi Monkey bay; Eunice Makangala, Blantyre City Centre; Bonface Kadzamira, Ntchisi North, Samuel Lumbe, Ntcheu East; Naomi Chidiwa, Ntcheu West; Olipah Muyaba, Mzimba North East; Benedicto Chambo, Mangochi North.
Yusuf Mwawa, Balaka Central East; Patrick Chipungu, Thyolo South West; Good Kayira, Mzuzu City; Sam Ganda, Nsanje Lalanje; Romeo Bwanali, Mangochi Malombe; Chimango Mughogho, Chitipa South; Anjiru Kalitendere, Mangochi North East; Peter Bvalani, Zomba Likangala; Jones Chingola, Ntcheu Central; Saulosi Thindwa, Rumphi East; including others not listed above.
Last month, deputy spokesperson, Ken Msonda, said those contesting as independent candidates were expelled from the party because their decision was tantamount to misconduct and insubordination therefore they automatically lose party membership.
PP has since replaced Mwenifumbo with Dorcas Malopa Gondwe as Msonda is currently acting as Publicity Secretary in place of Makande. The party has also replaced Olipah Muyava who was elected the party’s deputy national International Relations Officer with Aram Beza.
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