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(LUSAKATIMES) MMD should hold its national convention, Magande

MMD should hold its national convention, Magande
Friday, June 19, 2009, 5:28

Former Finance Minister, Ngandu Magande, says the ruling MMD should not forego its national convention,as doing so would damage the integrity of the party. Mr. Magande says the move would be undemocratic. He says the MMD should not be like some opposition parties that refuse to hold conventions.

Mr. Magande said in an interview with ZNBC news that people calling for the cancellation of the convention must be told that the gathering is in the best interest of the party. He said the MMD is a party founded on the tenets of democracy which must be respected and upheld at all times.

MMD National Secretary, Katele Kalumba, said it is important for the ruling party to hold its national convention to strengthen intra party democracy.

He says the MMD should not be like some opposition parties that refuse to hold conventions.
Dr. Kalumba said the convention will also allow the MMD to endorse President Rupiah Banda as its candidate for the 2011 presidential elections.

He is confident that the MMD will emerge even stronger after the convention.

Dr. Kalumba was reacting to calls by some members who want the party to forgore the convention to avoid wasting resources.

Dr. Kalumba said the entire MMD National Executive Committee-NEC-is behind the adoption of President Banda as presidential candidate for the 2011 elections.

Dr. Kalumba told ZNBC news that NEC feels that President Banda is a credible leader capable of winning the elections.

He stressed the need for party unity saying the NEC is unanimous in it’s resolve to field President Banda and not any other person in the 2011 polls.

There have been calls from some MMD members urging the party to cancel its convention ahead of the 2011 general elections.

[ZNBC]

Labels: MAGANDE, MMD

posted by MrK @ 4:35 AM