Chihana earmarked for second vice-presidency

Minister of Youth and Sports Enoch Chihana is being earmarked for the second vice-presidency, Alliance for Democracy (Aford) spokesperson Khumbo Mwaungulu confirmed yesterday.

But in an interview, Chihana, who is also Aford president, could neither confirm nor deny being in the frame for the top job last held by his father during the Bakili Muluzi tenure between 1994 and 2004.

The news follows Aford’s electoral alliance with the ruling People’s Party (PP).

The minister, who is entitled to one police officer, has been spotted with bigger security detail comprising two police vehicles lately.

Laughing off the development as mere speculation, Chihana said: “Who told you that? I have also just been hearing from people that I will be the second vice-president. Let us just wait and see.

“It is the prerogative of the President to choose whosoever she wishes to be the second vice-president.”

Justifying the increased security, Chihana said the move was aimed at buttressing his safety as he goes to campaign in such far-flung areas as Kameme in Chitipa and Hewe in Rumphi that are prone to armed robberies.

But in a separate interview, Aford spokesperson Mwaungulu said: “It is no longer a secret that Chihana has been earmarked for the position. The increase in security around him should give you a signal of the change in his status.”

PP and Aford have gone into an alliance to beef up support for President Joyce Banda in the coming elections, particularly in the Northern Region.

PP acting secretary general Paul Maulidi and PP deputy spokesperson Ken Msonda did not answer their phones when called for comment.

Chancellor College associate professor of political science Blessings Chinsinga said it is the prerogative of the President to have a second vice-president, but said the economic factor has to be considered.

Section 80 of the Constitution provides that where the President is elected on the sponsorship of a political party, then he or she shall not appoint a second vice-president from that political party.