By Twink Jones Gadama
Malawi’s opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has announced a wave of expulsions and suspensions within its ranks, in a bid to maintain discipline and loyalty within the party. In a press release following a central committee meeting on January 20th, 2024, the party revealed the list of members who were deemed to have violated party rules and principles.
Under the powers granted by the party’s constitution, particularly Article 9(5) and Article 15(4), the central committee received and reviewed the recommendations put forth by the disciplinary committee. Following careful consideration, the central committee unanimously passed a set of resolutions to address the misconduct exhibited by certain members.
Firstly, the party announced the immediate expulsion of notable figures, including Honourable Kondwani Nankhumwa MP, Grelzeda Geoffrey (Vice President – Central), Cecilia Chazama (Presidential Advisor), Nicholas Dausi MP (National Publicity Secretary), Mark Bottoman MP (National Director of Research and Training), Otria Jere (National Director of Protocol), Fortunate Simeon Phiri (Deputy Treasurer General – Central), Frederick Billy Malata (Deputy National Director of Political Affairs – East), Joe Thomas Nyirongo (National Deputy Director of Operations – North), and Honourable Kenneth Chatatata Msonda (NGC Member – North).
In addition to expulsions, several individuals were stripped of their positions within the National Governing Council (NGC) and were suspended from party membership for a period of nine months. This includes Henry Matemba (National Director of Elections), Joseph Mavuto Kachali (Deputy National Director of Elections – North), Kondwani Ng’ong’ola (Deputy National Organising Secretary – Centre), Shafee Khamisa (Deputy National Director of Logistics – South), Brave Mkwezalamba (Deputy National Director of Operations – South), Marriam Chimbalanga (Deputy National Director of Women – Centre), Dumisa Lindani (NGC Member – East), Baxter Kita (NGC Member – North), and Lameck Rajab Malimba (NGC Member – Centre).
Furthermore, Hon. Aulad Mussa, a DPP member from the Centre, has been suspended from party membership for a period of nine months, while Ralph Pacharo Jooma has been removed from his position as the National Director of Economic Affairs within the NGC.
The DPP has emphasized the importance of party unity and called upon all its members to respect and abide by the resolutions laid out. It urged members to refrain from any misconduct, as well as to avoid undermining or disrespecting the party’s leadership at any level of its structures. The party emphasized that it would not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any further acts of misconduct.
The expulsions and suspensions within the DPP have sent shockwaves throughout the party and the broader political landscape in Malawi. Many are closely watching to see how this internal turmoil will affect the DPP’s future strategies and overall unity. As the country heads into the next phase of political engagements, the DPP will need to regroup and demonstrate a united front to maintain its relevance and credibility as a political entity.
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