Sunday, June 7, 2009

Parties silent on speaker, as DPP names Chimunthu Banda

The United Democratic Front (UDF) and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) are yet to name people they want to contest on the position of Speaker of Parliament.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has already earmarked former Leader of the House Henry Chimunthu Banda.

UDF spokesperson, Rob Jamieson, and his MCP counterpart, acting publicity secretary Nancy Tembo, could not be drawn to comment on the parties' candidates.

Observers have said, however, it would be less likely for the two opposition parties to field contestants for the position, as they were already disadvantaged by numbers.

The DPP has 114 parliamentarians- a figure that has since grown to over 143 as independent candidates jump their neutral ship to join hands with the party- while the MCP and UDF have 26 and 16 MPs, respectively.

Chimunthu Banda, who is also DPP secretary general, confirmed the development he had been earmarked by his party for the position of speaker.


AEP/Richard Chirombo

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