Chilumpha still in dark

AEP/ Richard Chirombo With just days to go before Parliament's inaugural meeting on June 22, former Vice President Cassim Chilumpha is yet to know his position as regards Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) membership. Chilumpha, who won a Parliamentary sit in Malawi's central region district of Nkhotakota on an independent ticket, announced after being sworn in as MP he would join the DPP. The party has, however, put its foot down, saying Chilumpha needed to write a letter expressing interest to join the party. This has never happened in Malawi's political party history and raises questions over DPP's objective. Almost all political parties in Malawi have no membership records, a development that leaves party membership open. This has often posed challenges in dealing with violent party elements, as parties easily disassociate themselves with marauding supporters. However, things seem to have changed in the DPP, as Second Deputy party president, Khumbo Kachali, announced recently. Kachali said Chilumpha needed to apply for party membership to DPP's politburo as wait for a response. But Chilumpha has argued that Kachali only made the sentiments in the media without writing him on the new development. He says that, to date, he has not even received such communication. This has left observers wondering as to when such communication would reach Chilumpha, as Parliament meets on June 22. The former Veep said, however, he would never give us, adding DPP had shown itself to be a national party from the massive votes it amassed in the May 19 elections.