Malawi Congress Party (MCP) National Director of Research Dr John Paul says he will contest as an independent parliamentary candidate during the forthcoming tripartite elections.
John Paul who lost during the MCP primaries in Mchinji Central constituency said he is contesting as an independent candidate to please the majority in his area who want him to represent them in Parliament.
He said that people in his area are highly frustrated with what happened during the primaries and they urged him to contest as an independent candidate.
‘‘I really have that kind of support from people in my area, these people say they feel cheated with what happened during primaries and they asked me to contest as an independent candidate,” said Paul.
He further said he still remain a bonafide member of the party despite his decision.
”I talked with some top party official about my decision to contest as an independent candidate and about my position in the party but I cannot say what direction to be followed especially on my top position, you will hear more about this soon,” said Paul.
He added that people should expect good things from him as he has already started developing his area by constructing classroom block and a teacher’s house at Chiwoko primary school.
He added that the good thing is that nowadays people have stopped voting for parties but for personality.
Speaking in an interview, MCP publicity secretary Reverend Maurice Munthali said as a party their wish is to work together both in good and bad conditions.Munthali said in every party or organisations there are times when things are not intact but people need to work together.
”As MCP our vision is to free Malawians and if his (John Paul’s) wish is to free Malawians we have no problem with that and where ever he will go, Paul will share MCP’s agenda which he is leaving behind,’ ‘said Munthali.
He added that the party cannot restrain him from doing whatever he wishes to do as he is free as the law says that no-one is above the law.
‘‘This is election period and it is only people on the ground who can tell who they want to represent them in parliament, so we have nothing to say about this, our prayer is that we should help Malawians for the better,” said Rev Munthali.
There were misunderstandings as to who won during the primary elections between John Paul and the incumbent Member of Parliament Hon Jepther Mwale and this has led Paul to contest as an independent candidate.
