Katsonga goes unopposed

People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) president Mark Katsonga Phiri went unopposed during the convention that took place in Blantyre yesterday.

From the beginning, it was evident that Katsonga Phiri, even if he contested against someone, would carry the day as women sang songs praising him throughout the day.

But the positions of secretary general, deputy secretary general, treasurer and organising secretary were up for grabs.

Opening the convention, Katsonga Phiri said the country is facing various challenges and that it is only PPM that has solutions.

He cited food insecurity, devaluation of the kwacha, rising fuel prices as some of the challenges facing the country.

“So, it’s up to the people to change course by allowing PPM to rule the country. Within a short period of time, these problems will be history,” said Katsonga Phiri.

He also said his 20-point plan would transform the country and make Malawians independent.

As we went to press, Mbungu Professor Jacob Muheni won the position of vice-president with 277 votes while Joseph Mazizi was voted publicity secretary.

A minute of silence was also observed in honour of the party’s first elected president, the late Aleke Banda.

A number of political parties have already conducted their conventions. They include Malawi Congress Party (MCP), United Democratic Front (UDF), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and People’s Party (PP).