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The UDF has said the decision to leave out the second vice presidency is a popular one because it will help reduce unnecessary expenditure.
“The decision has enjoyed support of the people of Malawi,” said Lipenga on Tuesday. “It fits very well in the President’s philosophy to reduce unnecessary expenditure.”
He was commenting on a Weekend Nation query that the decision was a violation of the memorandum of understanding with Aford that stated that the position would go to Chakufwa Chihana.
Lipenga said, so far there has been no resentment from Aford, adding that his party would continue counting on their partnership to support President Bingu wa Mutharika.
“When both parties agree that priorities have changed, and that the President be left free to make decisions using his judgement, there is no problem,” said Lipenga.
Aford secretary general Wallace Chiume said there were no negotiations prior to the announcement of the cabinet that left out the second vice presidency.
“We just heard that government wanted to put that position on hold. That is the position that came to us,” said Chiume, claiming his party did not feel cheated.
“We do not want to be seen that we are crying for the position. We are ready to work with government in any capacity,” he added.
Asked if he felt the memorandum of understanding was still binding after one clause was already violated, Chiume said: “It is you the newspapers, and civil society that called on the President to ignore memoranda of understanding when choosing cabinet. Now what do you want me to say? Maybe I should ask you, and through you, the civil society, if you are now happy?”
Answering the same question, Lipenga said: “These things (memoranda of understanding) are not carved in stone. When you agree that circumstances have changed, there is no problem.
“After all, there is no need for you to dwell on that. It is as if you are unhappy with the unity that is prevailing,” he said.
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