Political expert George Phiri has endorsed activist Fredrick Billy Malata’s bid to challenge Peter Mutharika at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) convention in Blantyre this August.
Malata announced his intention last week to run for the DPP presidency. “I am ready to challenge Mutharika during the convention this month,” he stated.
Phiri views Malata’s decision to challenge Mutharika as an indication of his continued allegiance to the party, despite his expulsion. Phiri suggested that Malata’s move might also highlight the illegitimacy of his expulsion, asserting that it lacked a legal basis.
“Expelling members from political parties seems meaningless in a democratic dispensation because it is the right of every individual to join a party of their choice, with no formal application process involved,” Phiri commented.
He further compared political parties to churches, where membership is voluntary and not subject to expulsion. Phiri advised political parties to accept members’ decisions to join or leave rather than expelling them.
“If I were the DPP leader, I would not take any legal action against Malata’s candidacy. Let APM (Arthur Peter Mutharika) allow him to contest and see whom the people prefer,” he added.
Malata, who was expelled from the DPP along with other members for allegedly breaching party rules, is prepared to pursue a legal challenge if the DPP attempts to block his candidacy.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba declined to comment, stating that it is too early to make any statements.
