By Chisomo Phiri Phiri
The former ruling party, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) risks being dragged to court for contempt as it proceeds with plans to hold a National Governing Council (NGC) meeting. The party gurus have gathered today at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi .
Last week, some members had obtained an injunction restraining the party from holding the said NGC meeting on June 24, but now DPP through spokesperson Shadric Namalomba claims that the said order was stayed by the Supreme Court of Appeal, hence the meeting.
“I can confirm that the NGC meeting is on. It is not against any court order because the Supreme Court of Appeal stayed that order so we are not braking any law. The meeting will proceed,” Namalomba told Nation Online.
But in response to Namalomba’s remarks, lawyer for the members who obtained the injunction, Wapona Kita also told Nation Online that they have not been served with any Stay Order, and DPP will be dragged to court for contempt if it continues with the meeting.
Said Kita to Nation Online: “We have just been seeing the said order in the social media, but my clients have not been served. So for us, that order does not exist and should the party proceed with the NGC meeting, we have clear instructions to file for contempt of court.
“We also have instructions to obtain an injunction against implementation of any decision that could be made during the said meeting. So for us, our injunction stands, and any act to the contrary will be taken as contempt.”
Today’s planned NGC meeting, among other things, is expected to set a date and venue for the party’s National Elective Conference(NEC) where the party will elect its presidential candidate for the 2025 elections, among other positions.
And according to Namalomba, this NGC is the first step in the Party’s resolve to prepare for victory in 2025.
Meanwhile,the NGC meeting is coming at a time when mandates for the NGC members are set to expire this month, according to the party’s constitution.
