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Nkhwazi to challenge Chihana in 2004 polls
By
Francis Tayanjah-Phiri - 27-05-2002 |
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ust a week after the Alliance for Democracy (Aford) held its convention which re-elected Chakufwa Chihana as party president and resolved to consolidate its national face in readiness for the country’s next presidential polls, Mzuzu Member of Parliament Rodger Nkhwazi said, Thursday he will stand as the party’s president in the 2004 presidential election.
Nkhwazi, who had not attended the convention because of differences with Chihana, said after scrutinising the defects of the incumbent leader he decided to declare his candidacy “in the interest of the party and all Malawians”.
Said Nkhwazi; “The convention proved me right when I objected Chihana’s idea to make Aford a campaign pawn for Muluzi’s constitutional amendment crusade. The objection of that crusade by the delegates has given me stamina to challenge him (Chihana) for the polls.
“If that convention had done otherwise and agreed to Chihana’s proposal, I would have formed a pressure group to oppose Chihana. But since
they objected it, I applaud them and it has given me stamina to be in the forefront.”
Nkhwazi accused Chihana of failing Aford members and “trying to sell the party to UDF on the pretext of working together with government”.
“This is why I feel it is time some of us who are founding members of Aford came in to rescue it,” said Nkhwazi, stressing that he would remain a dedicated member of Aford.
But Aford chairman Chipimpha Mughogho said the party convention had given fresh mandate to Chihana to lead the party and that it was, therefore, obvious he would be the candidate for the 2004 presidential general elections.
Mughogho said those opposing Aford’s new policies were entitled to their opinion but had no chance of nullifying what people had agreed at the convention.
“The convention has taken place and all those who had problems with the party were expected to attend it and air their views there. Why should these people now use the media as their convention? What’s the logic in that?” wondered Mughogho.
He said leaders in this country should do away with confrontational politics and selfishness. |
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