POLITICAL PARTIES URGED TO EMBRACE DEMOCRACY DURING CONVENTIONS

Political parties in the country have been advised to understand and practice democracy during their party conventions.

Some political parties, such as the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), are expected to hold their conventions next month to elect leaders, including party presidents, in preparation for the 2025 general elections.

Political expert George Phiri expects all political party leadership and delegates to exercise their democratic rights when electing leaders during the party indaba.

Phiri made these comments following rumors of endorsement, where some political parties show that they don’t want people to compete for certain positions, including that of president.

He said leaders and delegates have to embrace democracy during this period so that Malawians can trust them.

“Endorsement is a sign that the leaders of that political party don’t understand what democracy is all about. This is where problems come in because leaders who are expected to know the principles of democracy seem to be in the dark,” said Phiri.

He added that a democratic leader should know that endorsement is against the law of democracy and that a leader who accepts endorsement is a dictator, as they don’t want people to elect leaders of their choice.

The picture Phiri has in mind is that during party conventions, every leader will be elected democratically, not through endorsement.

Members of some political parties have been advocating for the protection of democratic rights during conventions and general elections, so that people should not be forced to elect certain individuals.