Africa-Press – Malawi. One of the lawyers, Khumbo Soko says the DPP constitution will establish how meetings are to be done and the power to convene. If the meeting was convened in a manner which contravenes the party constitution, then the party through internal processes can rectify that by nullifying the outcome of whatever was discussed. Another lawyer Gift Mwakhwawa says, “The meeting flouted party procedures. Every resolution made there would be void because it had to follow procedures. That the court ordered the party to hold a convention within 90 days does not mean that the party had to flout procedures to comply with the court. If the central committee did not meet to set dates for the NGC, then nobody has power to set dates for the NGC.
One of the opinions from a layperson point of view suggests that some people are celebrating the squabbles in DPP as a failed leadership. They argue that an opposition party that is always fighting among its members cannot be given the opportunity to rule Malawi again. Similarly, some years back the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) had a lengthy battle between Gwanda Chakuamba and John Tembo when they wrestled for the position of party President. Two different conventions took place, one in Blantyre and the other in Lilongwe where both Gwanda and Tembo were elected president of MCP, respectively. There was confusion at the time, but Gwanda ended up quitting and formed his own. Other counters argue that what is happening in DPP today is a sign of healthy competition. They say that brushing each other with harsh words and actions is okay if the democratic process. They are very sure that DPP will emerge from the squabbles much stronger than before.
Some people say that Mutharika is desperate. They claim that some DPP members want to hold a conference because Peter Mutharika’s presidential term expired. One of the prominent writers, Twin spurge Jones Gadama, in one of his writes ups says that at the forefront of this political shift stands Nicholas Dausi, Kondwani Nankhumwa, and Grezelder Jeffrey, among others, who have witnessed their political stature wane, leaving them unable to stand tall as they once did. These once-mighty figures, who were once considered pillars of the DPP, are now facing uncertain times as their influence dwindles within the party’s ranks.
Another view suggests that MCP is desperate and has everything to do with problems in DPP which is why they are funding Nankhumwa because as you may already know that any presidential candidate standing on DPP ticket, Chakwera will get easily defeated. Some think that some judges must know that DPP has its constitution that should be respected. They should not pretend to be wise by disturbing the peace by entertaining every injunction application that comes their way. Every political party has its own constitution which must be abided by and that does not mean that once you are elected at the convention then you will only be removed from the position through another convention. You can still lose your position before the next convention depending on your conduct. Running the party’s business everyday does not mean the Secretary General is above the office of the party president.
Some people think that the office of the Secretary General has more powers than that of the party president. Party presidents serve as the political face of the party. The Secretary General runs the party. They argue further that the Secretary General consults the president, but the Secretary General runs the party and not the president. Others are saying that the splinter group wants to demonstrate that they are wise to do the best thing they can do is simply firm they are own political party and highlight their intelligence thereafter. My opinion;
In my own opinion, the meeting organized by the Secretary General Grezelder Jeffrey did not follow party procedures. Therefore, every resolution made there is invalid because they broke procedures. The court order that the DPP should hold a convention within 90 days does not mean that the party procedures should be flouted. The central committee did not meet to set dates for the National Governing Council (NGC); therefore, nobody has the power to set dates for the NGC.
That is why a Secretary General must have legal background and legal understanding in order to execute his/her duties efficiently. If not, Secretary Generals must take some night classes to learn a bit of constitutional studies. Otherwise, ignorance is extremely expensive. The Secretary General Grezelder Jeffrey is desperate for power through illegal meetings which she called at Golden Peacock including unhealthy court orders which they keep obtaining. The position of SG needs someone with maturity, wisdom, and some legal knowledge, and understanding who can interpret the party constitution and follow the right path.
That is why even at the Electoral Commission, the chairperson has to be a judge in order to understand and interpret the electoral laws. Similarly, there is a need for someone with some law background to be Secretary General now and in future in the DPP. Otherwise, wrong appointments of wrong people in wrong positions will not take DPP anywhere.
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