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MCP unity talks under threat
By
Gedion Munthali - 22-11-2002 |
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A pending court case threatens to derail efforts by the MCP factions of party president Gwanda Chakuamba and his deputy John Tembo to reconcile and contest the 2004 general elections as a single unit.
The Tembo camp indicated this week there is now confusion as the reconciliation overtures are happening while there is still a legal tussle over the dismissal of Tembo, secretary general Kate Kainja and Central Region chair Betson Majoni from the party by Chakuamba.
The hearing of a case in which the three are challenging their dismissal has been slated for December 27.
Chakuamba, responding to a question on whether he will withdraw the dismissal as a prelude to reconciliation, simply said on Wednesday “efforts to remould the MCP have intensified”.
He declined to reveal the finer details being worked on by party leaders from both camps.
“Some people are working on things towards reconciliation and remoulding the party, and therefore I am not in a hurry to divulge what we are agreeing,” said Chakuamba. “But reconciliation is the path we have chosen to follow.”
Tembo could not be reached for comment as we went to press but his spokesman Binton Kutsaira described the situation as confusing.
“I am being asked so many times how reconciliation can be achieved when we still fight in courts. This is a tricky and confusing issue. I do not know what to say. I am confused,” said Kutsaira, who is also Lilongwe Nsinja North MP.
On Chakuamba’s remarks that “people in the party were working towards achieving reconciliation”, Kutsaira said: “I would rather remain silent on that one and watch things as they unfold.”
Kainja, in an earlier interview, referred the reporter to Chakuamba, saying he is the one who had the final word.
“I do not know how I am going to go around that one. I think you need to ask the president,” said Kainja.
MCP spokesman Nicholas Dausi also declined to comment on the matter.
Chakuamba dismissed Tembo, Kainja, Majoni on recommendations of a disciplinary committee constituted after the plaintiffs failed to attend a June 29, 2001 executive meeting to discuss a supreme court ruling that dismissed the party’s parallel conventions. |
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