Who isnt there for the money? Probably fewer than one person. Nada, zero. Welcome to Malawian Politics. So all that was just talk huh?

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Saturday, 5 June 2004





National

Gwanda joins government, to retire from politics


by Pilirani Semu Banda, 03 June 2004 - 19:28:37


Republican Party (RP) president, who is also leader of the Mgwirizano Coalition Gwanda Chakuamba, has joined the UDF-led government but has indicated that he will proceed to retire from politics.
UDF spokesman Ken Lipenga said on Thursday Chakuamba, who signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UDF together with President of Mgode Sam Kandodo Banda, will not, however, be considered for the post of second vice president.
“In fact he [Chakuamba] indicated during the ceremony that it is his intention to retire from politics. He indicated so himself,” said Lipenga.
Chakuamba has since withdrawn the court case where the Mgwirizano Coalition was challenging President Bingu wa Mutharika and Electoral Commission, accusing the two of rigging the elections.
Chakuamba also asked the government to stop pursuing a treason case against Mgwirizano spokesperson Kholiwe Mkandawire.
RP and Mgode will share among themselves three cabinet posts and three posts of deputy ministers, sources said on Thursday.
Lipenga confirmed that RP and Mgode will be given cabinet positions following this move but that “the actual numbers will have to be decided by President Bingu wa Mutharika”.
The signing ceremony, according to Lipenga, took place at the private residence of UDF’s national chairman Bakili Muluzi at BCA Hills in Blantyre where the former president signed for UDF together with the party secretary general Kennedy Makwangwala.
Lipenga said RP’s vice president lawyer Bazuka Mhango, who was pursuing the elections case for Mgwirizano, was part of the signing process.
Mgode president Kandodo-Banda said his party has signed the MOU because it “was a way to fairness and justice”.
In a report monitored on state-controlled MBC radio, Chakuamba said he decided to join the partnership because he thought it was the best way forward for the country.
“Once you accept democracy, you must accept whatever follows. Now we have reached this stage where it shouldn’t be an individual party but a group of parties working together in a brotherly or sisterly manner in order to improve the lives of people in the villages,” said Chakuamba.
Muluzi said it was his belief that “we have now reached the third phase when what this country needs most is economic transformation” and that he was commending RP and Mgode for joining the UDF to foster democracy.
MDP president Kamlepo Kalua had said earlier on that all the presidents in the Mgwirizano Coalition met on Thursday and Chakuamba told them that he was joining the UDF because his party was promised seven cabinet posts.
“Mgode, through its president Sam Kandodo Banda was also happy to join in. His colleagues Green Mwamondwe and Rodger Nkhwazi also supported him wholeheartedly,” said Kalua.
He said while the other Mgwirizano presidents were gathering for a meeting at the RP’s offices in Sunnyside, Chakuamba and his colleagues “sneaked out” to go to the signing ceremony.
Petra president George Mnesa also confirmed the issue saying, Chakuamba had already gone to Muluzi’s house while the other presidents were waiting for him at his office.