By Pemphero Malimba:
Political commentators have described next month’s elective conventions for Alliance for Democracy (Aford) and People’s Development Party (PDP) as a test for intraparty democracy.
Their sentiments follow governing Malawi Congress Party and opposition Democratic Progressive Party elective conventions at which incumbent leaders Lazarus Chakwera and Peter Mutharika, respectively, went unopposed.
Now Aford and PDP have announced that all is set for their conventions, with revelations that no one has, so far, expressed interest in challenging incumbent leaders Enock Chihana and Kondwani Nankhumwa.
Aford publicity secretary Annie Amatullah Maluwa said the party has opened all positions to contestants.
“As at now, all positions are up for grabs. Since we have just announced the convention date two days ago, collection of nomination papers is under way and we are still waiting for interested members to come in,” Maluwa said.
On the other hand, PDP acting spokesperson Rhodes Msonkho indicated that, so far, nobody had shown interest in competing against Nankhumwa.
“Currently, I have no idea about anyone who has availed themselves to compete against the current president Hon Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa.
“However, there’s still time before the campaign period closes; so, anything can happen,” he said.
He said the party had opened up all positions to aspirants.
“We, as PDP, have always said that all the NGC positions are up for grabs, including that of the president, during our elective convention. We have been encouraging people to contest for any position of their choice,” Msonkho said.
Meanwhile, political commentator George Chaima has challenged the parties to comply with democratic principles.
“It is only democratically right for all positions to be competed for to create a sense of parity. No single position in a democratic party is exempted from challenges,” Chaima said
He said time had come for political parties to open up to interested candidates.
“Political parties that will open up to any interested candidate will set a precedent of compliance to democratic principles. It is possible and it is a matter of choice and respect for democracy,” he said.
Another analyst Wonderful Mkhutche predicted that Chihana and Nankhumwa would continue serving in their positions.
“With PDP and Aford, they will open up on principle but the fact remains that no one can win against the incumbents. They have a deeply rooted existence in the parties and it is hard to displace them. Just like we saw in DPP and MCP, this will be the case with PDP and Aford,” Mkhutche said.
Aford is expected to hold its elective convention on September 6.
PDP will, on the other hand, hold its indaba from September 13 to 14.
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