Divisions expected in PP after primaries

After the fall of major heavyweights in President Banda’s Peoples’ Party, FaceofMalawi understands that there is apprehension within the party ranks as some of its top officials have indicated that they are thinking of contesting on an independent ticket.

Last week, the PP fired its provincial chair for the north, Frank Mwenifumbo, for losing in the primaries and the others who have followed his example have either willingly thought of leaving the party on their own to seek election on an independent ticket or pull out for fear of being fired as well.

Some of the most notable faces that have suffered humiliating defeat in the party primaries include its publicity secretary, Hophmally Makande, its administrative secretary, Joseph Chikwemba, and ministers in the JB led government Chikumbutso Hiwa, Grace Maseko, and other current Members of Parliament including the gun-scandal Deputy Speaker, Jones Chingola.

While it has been nearly confirmed that Makande will be seeking to venture on an independent ticket after the loss which is believed to be unfair, the others have opted to operate in silence in the meantime.

Other reports have further alleged that Vice President for the party in the Southern province, Sidik Mia, is also planning to dump the party together with Minister Henry Phoya. Their next destinations are yet to be known.