LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under the banner Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has urged Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to uphold High Court decision of allowing new members to contest for various positions during this year August 8, elective convention.
HRCC says is are deeply concerned by recent developments within MCP that starkly illustrate a lack of intra-party democracy and a troubling disregard for the rule of law.
Addressing the news conference on Tuesday afternoon, August 6, the grouping has therefore party President Lazarus Chakwera to intervene immediately to ensure that the party respects the court ruling and publicly affirm that all aspirants, including Eng. Mumba, will be allowed to contest if they choose to do so.
HRCC chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba observes “The judgment clearly states that these criteria, which required candidates to have been party members for at least two years and to have held office within the party, are inconsistent with the rights of party members as enshrined in the MCP Constitution and contravene Section 40 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi”
Mkwezalamba adds, “The party must create a level playing field by allowing all aspirants to contest in the upcoming convention, in alignment with intra-party democracy and the rule of law.
“The MCP must retract any statements or actions that suggested a disregard for the court’s decision and publicly affirm their respect for the country’s laws and
judicial authority”.
He observes, “The integrity of the party and our democratic processes must be upheld.In conclusion, we remain steadfast in our commitment to defending the rule of law, upholding justice, and protecting the dignity of our leaders and judiciary”.
Mkwezalamba appeals, “We call for immediate remedial action from the MCP to rectify this situation and to foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation within our democratic framework”.
During the press conference on Tuesday morning MCP publicist Ezekiel Ching’oma challenged the court decision arguing that the party will go ahead with NEC decision by baring new party members not to contest on various positions.
