By Vincent Gunde
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Chief Propagandist Dickson Kashoti of ‘Ndiope Ndani?’ fame has warned former President Lazarus Chakwera against seeking a third term as party president, urging him to respect the party’s constitution and allow new leadership to emerge.
In an article titled ‘No One Is Above the MCP Constitution, Not Even Chakwera‘ Kashoti argues that Chakwera’s time as MCP leader expired and that he should step aside rather than pursue another term.
Kashoti and Chakwera
Kashoti has expressed concern that some members of the MCP National Executive Committee (NEC) are supporting moves that he believes undermine the party’s constitution in an attempt to retain Chakwera as leader.
He says the party’s constitution must be respected by all members, regardless of their positions, popularity or influence within the organisation.
Kashoti further argues that Chakwera’s leadership should be assessed against the political challenges facing the party, including internal divisions in some of its traditional support bases, particularly in the Central Region.
He also criticises what he describes as delays in decision-making on critical party matters, arguing that such an approach can allow internal disagreements to escalate into more serious political disputes.
“A political party cannot expect to govern a country effectively when its own leadership struggles to govern the party itself,” says Kashoti.
He cites former MCP leader John Zenasi Ungapake Tembo, who was regarded as one of the party’s most influential figures after its founder, Dr.Hastings Kamuzu Banda, arguing that party leaders should respect constitutional procedures.
Kashoti maintains that Chakwera should recognise that he is neither the first capable leader to emerge from the MCP nor the last, adding that the party’s future should not depend on one individual.
He has urged Chakwera to resist what he describes as the temptation to seek a third term, step aside and allow the MCP to begin a new chapter in its political history.
Kashoti concludes by warning MCP leaders against placing any individual above the party’s constitution, insisting that the organisation belongs to its members rather than its president.
His remarks add to the debate over leadership succession, constitutional adherence and the future direction of the MCP.
