DPP Legislators Call for Convention, Express Concerns Over Constitution Violations

LILONGWE, Malawi- Over 15 legislators from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by the legislator for Mwanza Central and DPP National Publicity Secretary, Nicholas Dausi, have called for a convention to allow Malawians to choose a DPP leader of their own choice, writes Esther Banda.

Speaking at a press conference held in Lilongwe on Thursday, Dausi emphasized that the DPP is not for just one person and should never be taken for his or her own interests.

"As National Governing Council (NGC) members, we have never been consulted for the endorsement like the way it was made earlier this month by the DPP Vice President in the Northern Region, Goodall Gondwe," Dausi said, expressing his concern over the violation of the party's constitution.

Dausi further stated that those who are trying to confuse Malawians and DPP followers are destroying the development of the party and called for a free and fair campaign at the convention to allow people to choose their candidate.

"We must go back to the convention and seek the mandate from the people because everyone has the right to choose their candidate. Don't go behind the scenes or change the constitution of the party and start suing people or removing them from the party just because they are supporting someone else," Dausi stressed.

Dausi also challenged DPP President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to come forward if he wishes to stand as President in 2025 and face the other candidates, including Kondwani Nankhumwa, Bright Msaka, Joseph Mwanamveka, and others.

In addition, legislator Yusuf Nthenda from Mulanje West expressed his concern over the violation of the party's constitution, stating that NGC meetings have not been held since 2018, which is against the party's rules that require annual meetings.

Meanwhile, representing legislators from the Northern Region, legislator Werani Chilenga from Chitipa South made it clear that their endorsement is for the leader of the opposition in Parliament and DPP Vice President for the Southern Region, Kondwani Nankhumwa.

The demand for a convention and concerns over constitutional violations by DPP members highlight the internal tensions within the party as it faces leadership challenges and strives to maintain its unity ahead of the upcoming elections in 2025.