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(NYASATIMES) Henry Mussa cautions on Bingu’s succession plan

Henry Mussa cautions on Bingu’s succession plan
By Nyasa Times
Published: November 10, 2009

Politics of succession of President Bingu wa Mutharika who is barred by the Constitution to run for another term in 2014 continues to dominate the political debate. Ruling Democratic Progress Party (DPP) treasurer-general Henry Mussa has cautioned that poor succession can break the party.

Mussa speaking during Capital Radio’s Straight Talk programme on Tuesday evening admitted when asked by host Brian Banda that presidential succession plans have proved disastrous for political parties in Malawi.

“We have seen parties breaking down. We had MCP, we had UDF,” pointed out Mussa, Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu East.

President Mutharika has paved way for his young brother Prof Peter Mutharika –Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs – to succeed him by declaring that he is free to run for any public position.

The President has also delegated his brother to act on presidential duties with the recent being presiding over the swearing-in of Commissioners to serve in Malawi Human Rights Commission.

However, Mussa who was dropped in cabinet after the May elections hopes DPP will handle succession of Mutharika in a democratic manner allowing competition.

“Normally the party is structured in specific categories. We have what we call the National Governing Council (NGC), that is the governing body that will come up with decision with regard to succession plan,” said Mussa, chairman of parliamentary Public Accounts Committee.

Mussa called for contest at a convention rather than hand-picking Mutharika’s successor.

“So it’s the NGC guided with convention [that] will come up with a position regarding a candidate. But it’s a collective responsibilities, top to down,” he said.

Banda, one of the best probing political journalist on the local broadcasting media, asked Mussa what he made of remarks by President Mutharika that DPP officials should not reposition themselves for 2014 presidential race.

The DPP guru said Mutharika is “justified” in his call to stop succession campaign now.

“As DPP we are still celebrating [may 19 elections victory]. We haven’t even settled down. We have promised people a lot of development projects. Our people are full of expectations. We are yet to be on the ground, five years to go,” said Mussa.

The lawmaker who is one of the founders of DPP ruled himself in the race for Bingu’s successor.

“I am too small to start thinking that big. I am thoroughly satisfied as Treasurer General,” he said.

Labels: BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, HENRY MUSSA, NEPOTISM, SUCCESSION

posted by MrK @ 4:50 PM