(LUSAKATIMES) I am a genuine member of the ruling MMD, Prof Chirwa

I am a genuine member of the ruling MMD, Prof Chirwa
Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 13:48

Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) party presidential aspirant Professor Clive Chirwa has refuted assertions that he is not a genuine member of the ruling MMD.

Professor Chirwa, in an interview with ZANIS during which he produced his party membership card, said those claiming that he was not a legitimate member of the MMD were bent on spoiling his political aspirations.

He said he was a fully paid up member and urged those that had doubts about his membership to check the party records.

On the MMD convention, Prof. Chirwa said the decision by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of MMD to endorse President Rupiah Banda as the sole candidate was against the constitution of the MMD.

He said the move was undemocratic as it intimidated other party members from aspiring for the party presidency.

Prof. Chirwa called for the convening of the party convention so that all those interested in particular party positions can compete for such positions.

Prof. Chirwa said he has given time and resources to the MMD and therefore he had no intentions of leaving the party.Prof. Chirwa said he has given time and resources to the MMD and therefore he had no intentions of leaving the party.

He said he was determined to fight from within the MMD until he is at the summit of the party.

Prof. Chirwa said under his leadership the MMD would be driven into a different direction with particular emphasis to accommodating divergent views in a bid to internally democratize the party.

Prof. Chirwa has not been shy in declaring his intentions to vie for the MMD party presidency but the MMD leadership has said he was not a genuine member of the MMD and was theefore disqualified from vying for leadership positions in the party.

Prof. Chirwa presently is a lecturer the University of Bolton in the United Kingdom.

ZANIS