Maravi

MMD is failing to manage itself - Sata
By Moses Kuwema
Tue 02 Apr. 2013, 14:01 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata says the MMD should manage their post-power syndrome carefully if they have to remain relevant to the political process of the country.

Commenting on MMD vice-president for politics, Michael Kaingu's statement that the former ruling party was not surprised with Feira member of parliament Patrick Ngoma's resignation to join the PF, and that the ruling party wanted to create a one-party state by wiping out the opposition, President Sata said the MMD should simply understand that they had a lot of work to do, particularly that they were even having members defecting to other opposition parties.

"Let them manage the post-power syndrome carefully if they have to remain relevant to the political process of this country. The problems MMD is facing are self-inflicted and cannot be blamed on anybody, especially PF. They are just failing to convince the people, they have no message for the Zambian people. Why is it that it is only the MMD which is complaining? Why is it that it is only the MMD which is boycotting elections when other political parties are taking advantage of the space they are leaving?" wondered President Sata through his special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah.

"And why is Mr Kaingu complaining over Mr Ngoma's defection and not complaining about the defections by Mr Lawrence Zimba and Mr Misheck Mutelo to UPND? Is Mr Kaingu also suggesting that that is creating a one party state? Why are they only complaining on defections to the ruling party and not to other opposition political parties?"

President Sata said he had no intentions of restoring a one-party state but was instead committed to ensuring that democracy in the country flourishes.

"No wonder Mr Kaingu's statement of restoring a one-party state does not hold. What is clear is that MMD is failing to manage itself and this is clearly on account of poor leadership. Therefore, Mr Kaingu's accusation is a cry of desperation. Mr Kaingu needs to understand what multi-partism is and multi-partism is about competition and not allowing your opponents to win. It seems in Mr Kaingu's understanding, multi-partism only exists when they win," he said.

President Sata said in any democracy, there was freedom of association and movement, adding that nobody was restricted.

"The same way Dr Nevers Mumba saw it fit to dissolve his political party and defect to MMD, it is similar principles that are being applied by people like Mr Ngoma. Therefore, these people must not be vilified. Accusations of a one party state do not hold because clearly this government is interested in its development and governance agenda. No amount of mudslinging will reverse that. The Zambian people, who entrusted this government's authority, can clearly see who means well to this country," said President Sata.

Labels: MICHAEL KAINGU, MICHAEL SATA, MMD, PARTIES

posted by MrK @ 5:44 PM