Friday, 7 December 2007

Too late for Prof. Chirwa?

My last article on the presidential ambitions of Prof. Clive Chirwa hinted that the MMD constitution may have a minimum membership requirement. Ben Tetamashimba has confirmed this in the POST today.

“But my question is that, where was Prof Chirwa to join MMD now when the party has branches in London? Now that he has seen positive developments in MMD by President Mwanawasa, he thinks it’s time to lead the country. Of course, that is possible but let him hope that our convention is held after September 2010. But if it is held before that time, Prof Chirwa will not be allowed to contest for MMD presidency,” Tetamashimba said.He said the MMD constitution stated that any member, who had served the party for less than three years, was not eligible to vie for party presidency.“Since Prof Chirwa joined MMD in September this year, he will attain three years in September 2010. But for other positions such as at council and parliamentary levels, there is no problem because the constitution allows,” he said.

The history of the MMD tells us that the constitution can easily be changed to suit the prevailing political situation. FTJ managed to change it to enable him go a third term and also removed the requirement of the President of the MMD to automatically become the MMD's candidate in the presidential election. The key person in all this is dr. Mwanawasa. If he wants Clive to run, he will change the constitution. However, he can end Prof. Chirwa's presidential ambitions by calling for the convention to be held before September 2010 under the pretence of giving his successor more time to campaign.

The PANEL.

5 comments:

Chola Mukanga said...

"However, he can end Prof. Chirwa's presidential ambitions by calling for the convention to be held before September 2010 under the pretence of giving his successor more time to campaign."

Why do you say "under the pretence"?

It seems to me that LPM is in a no win situation. On the one hand we want parties to be strong and principled, and this means adhering to their constitutions. On the the other, people accuse of him of "pretence" if he does precisely that.

Do you suggest that he changes the rules to fit Prof Chirwa.

I have no political leanings, but I am struck by your characterisation, in this context.

Chola Mukanga said...

I should say, that in general I believe that Prof Chirwa has much to add to the political process.

The PANEL said...

Hello cho,
I guess you're right in saying LPM is in a no win situation. I have been taking sounding on the ground and people generally believe the Prof. is either politically naive or has the support of the President. What is clear is that he has ruffled a few feathers within the MMD and this may force others to openly declare their intentions.

The PANEL.

Chola Mukanga said...

It is interesting that LPM has now commented on this. Although Rupiah Banda has said he has never spoken to Prof Chirwa.

Of course there's nothing wrong with Prof Chirwa running as an independent. If he felt he had the right message, why not just run as an independent, without a political party.

The PANEL said...

I have not seen LPM's comment on this issue. Is this in one of the papers?