DPP Secretary General Calls for NGC Meeting, Spokesperson Disputes
The Democratic Progressive Party has struggled with internal divisions since being voted out of power in 2020.
LILONGWE, Malawi - The secretary general for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has announced a National Governing Council (NGC) meeting this month in preparation for an elective conference, a statement disputed by the party's spokesperson, writes Judgement Katika.
DPP spokesperson Shadrick Namalomba said in local media that the press conference was conducted without the party's consent.
"Take it as noise. That’s not the stand of the party. It’s not true that she has been in touch with Professor Mutharika. After all, she is an interested party," Namalomba said.
During the briefing on Friday, DPP Secretary General Grezelder Jeffrey announced an NGC meeting on December 6 to prepare for the incoming elective convention.
Jeffrey said delegates at the meeting will agree on a date for the party's elective convention. She told media she informed DPP President Peter Mutharika about the NGC meeting, arguing it follows a high court order.
In September, the High Court in Lilongwe ordered the DPP to hold a convention within 90 days.
The DPP was originally supposed to hold a convention mid-year but postponed it to 2023.
The former governing DPP has faced leadership turmoil after losing the 2020 court-sanctioned presidential election.
"No Convention Without Approval," Says DPP Spokesperson
The Democratic Progressive Party has struggled with internal divisions since being voted out of power in 2020.