Campaigning for Human Rights and Democracy in Malawi OFFICE OF THE PUBLICITY SECRETARY P.O.

Box 960, Mzuzu, Malawi Tel: +265 888 639 400 Mobile Email: mzuzuaford@yahoo.com
msowoyadan@yahoo.com

ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY

Press Statement
The leadership of the Alliance for Democracy - AFORD sincerely and deeply regrets the despicable and ugly, incident which caused the abrupt stoppage of the National convention proceedings which was being held at Marymount Secondary School Hall in the City of Mzuzu. The incident was a direct result of the agitation by Mr. Enoch Chihana, Member of Parliament for Rumphi central and Minister for Sports and Youth development against the spirited participation of three political parties namely the New Rainbow Coalition (NRAC), National Patriotic Front (NPF), Peoples Development Movement (PDM) which willfully fraternized with AFORD as bosom allies. This integration is by no means an antithesis with interparty relationships and politics. It is based on mutual trust and cooperation aimed at consolidating for unity of purpose as opposed to disintegration and disunity. What Mr. Chihana and his cronies did is despicable, dishonourable, abominable and gross misconduct under section 6.4(2) of AFORDs constitution. We condemn it unequivocally and in the strongest terms possible. It was uncalled for, given that Mr. Chihana or his representative had ample time to draw the attention of AFORD to the issues he purported to highlight in the Convention. His own self alienation from the various meetings that mooted this noble idea denied him participation and prior knowledge of the basis and detail of this noble undertaking. He has himself to blame. It must be stressed here and now that the brutish insurgence he incited, which disrupted Convention proceedings does not commensurate with the position he holds in the party let alone in government, unless of course he is a square peg in a round hole. The leadership at AFORD assures all of an amicable but firm resolution of the matter in accordance with the constitution (section 6.4(2) as read with s6.6 (1). The National Executive Council (NEC) shall move to consider further action(s) regarding the conduct of Mr. Chihana, as the way forward. Mr. Chihanas conduct and insinuating remarks have for the most part been made in the course of cynical attacks on fellow party officials, on the sidewalks, at public meetings and among our fraternal colleagues. We believe this has been evident result of our insistence on more commitment, selflessness and competence from all our officials, due to persistent incompetence and dereliction of some officials in the discharge of their duties. This happens to be an incident among several others indiscretions. The officials and cadres so behaving are motivated by bigotry and a feeling of self sufficiency. Such misconduct however, on the part of such officials will not and must not sway us from our resolution to point out fearlessly, impartially and without regard for their personal feelings and self centered objections to our opinions and decisions in cases when the partys constitution, facts and circumstances are against their selfish interests.

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In no less degree has such defiant and contemptuous conduct been observed among senior officials. I refer to those who have nourished for some time now an animosity against some well meaning, dedicated and committed patriots. AFORD will not condone this indiscrete and reckless behavior without parallel. It is only fair and judicious of us to warn Hon. Chihana and any other party official who might be inclined or moved to behave in this way that the party will not hesitate to apply drastic measures against anyone if this behavior is repeated. Those of our cadres and officials that fail to change their attitude and conform to regulations consistently proclaimed by us in accordance with the partys constitution will be dealt with in like manner to those who we have referred to. As the partys Spokesperson I feel obliged to express this alarm and concern at the inroads being made into our partys life by confusing the members through such display of evil motive as the incident referred to above.

Dan Msowoya PUBLICITY SECRETARY 07/09/2013