DPP convention to cost K60m

Malawi’s former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says it will require at least K60 million (about $181 818) to hold its first-ever convention in April next year.

DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi, who is also chairperson of the convention’s main organising committee, said the party expects to get money from well-wishers and supporters.

He said: “We are set and all is in place. We will soon be opening an account specifically for the convention.”

The party was formed in February 2005 by the late president Bingu wa Mutharika after his fallout with the leadership of the United Democratic Front (UDF) which sponsored his ticket to the State House in the 2004 general elections.

Since its formation, DPP has never held a convention until the death of Mutharika on April 5.

DPP interim leader Peter Mutharika in November announced that the party would hold the convention this month when all positions would be open for competition.

But earlier this month, Dausi said due to some factors, the party decided to shift the convention to April to coincide with the memorial service of the late Bingu wa Mutharika.

Dausi also cited December as a festive month and that people are busy in their fields due to the onset of rains.

Further, he said the party felt there was no adequate time to inform delegates as the party constitution stipulates that delegates need to be informed at least one month in advance.

In October 2008, DPP’s national governing council unanimously chose Bingu wa Mutharika as the party’s candidate for the May 2009 presidential election.

So far, President Joyce Banda People’s Party (PP) held its convention in September which cost about K42 million (about $127 272) whereas that of UDF, held in October, cost about K36 million (about $109 090).