Maravi

Rupiah’s campaigns are illegal, says Mpombo

Rupiah’s campaigns are illegal, says Mpombo
By Patson Chilemba
Wed 26 May 2010, 04:00 CAT

GEORGE Mpombo yesterday charged that the Republican presidential campaigns President Rupiah Banda has launched are illegal because they have not been sanctioned by the MMD national convention.

Mpombo, who is Kafulafuta MMD member of parliament, said President Banda had staged a political coup against the party constitution by embarking on campaigns.

“It is not right for him to say he is the sole candidate. That is defeating the whole process of democracy. The campaigns he is doing are illegal because they have not been sanctioned by the national convention," Mpombo said in reference to the recent presidential campaigns by President Banda spearheaded by former president Frederick Chiluba.

"He has staged a political coup against the constitution of the party because he has not followed the constitution. And he is disadvantaging other candidates because the party must have a candidate accepted by everybody through the convention."
Mpombo doubted whether the MMD would even go for the convention.

"Even now, they are delaying on the convention, they have not stated when. Normally, you start with the dissolution of committees at ward, constituency, district and provinces," Mpombo said. "Now these have not been done and we don't know whether the same holders of these positions are the same ones who will go for the convention. I want them to come out and state clearly."

On chief Chisunka's observation that the traditional leaders could not support President Banda because he had not yet gone for the convention, Mpombo said it was a glaring shame that President Banda was more determined to break the constitution through illegal means.

Mpombo said the message from chief Chisunka was very good for President Banda because he did not own the party.

"And it takes chief Chisunka to remind the President about that. It is a very big shame. We are the ruling party, but we are not providing the necessary democratic tendencies which other opposition parties are supposed to follow," he said.

On the statement by information minister Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha that those calling for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde were wasting their time, Mpombo said the tendency by President Banda and Shikapwasha to dare the public was very dangerous.
He asked Lt Gen Shikapwasha to respond respectfully to the demands of the people who were victims of Kabonde's unprofessionalism.

"The tough guy approach by Mr Rupiah Banda and Shikapwasha is not helping the party. It is driving the party in a negative light. The issues must be addressed with coolheadedness. They should look at the underlying issues raised. This arrogance is reaching alarming levels. They must understand that they are dealing with intelligent people," Mpombo said.

He said Kabonde's position was made vulnerable by demoted former home affairs minister Lameck Mangani, who is now serving as a deputy at the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Mpombo said Kabonde allowed Mangani to usurp his powers.

Labels: GEOGE MPOMB, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 3:37 PM