BY ISHMAEL CHIMWAZA
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is experiencing internal tension as a faction within the party has pushed for new rules limiting eligibility for the National Executive Committee (NEC) positions. The resolution, adopted during an NEC meeting on Wednesday, states that candidates must have served in the party for at least two years to contest for NEC positions at the convention. This move is believed to be targeting Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba, a strong contender for the vice presidency.
Some political and legal analysts view this decision as an abuse of power intended to safeguard incumbent leaders' interests and prevent new leadership from emerging within the party.
Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba is gaining momentum as a potential candidate for the vice presidency, challenging the current Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara. Additionally, Chithyola Banda has expressed interest in running for the position of secretary general, currently held by Eisenhower Mkaka.
There are concerns among senior party members that the emergence of these new candidates could threaten their positions. Therefore, a group led by Mkaka influenced the NEC resolution as a preemptive measure against potential challengers.
Legal experts are questioning the validity of such a resolution without subjecting it to the scrutiny of a convention. The decision, if implemented without convention approval, could undermine the democratic process within the party.
Former MCP legislator Alex Major supports the idea of setting eligibility criteria for NEC aspirants but insists that such changes should be discussed and ratified at the upcoming electoral convention in August.
This situation reveals a growing divide between established party members and newer contenders, highlighting the struggle for power within the MCP.
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