The ruling People’s Party (PP) says serving members of Parliament (MPs) will not be automatic choices as candidates for the 2014 elections as they will have to win primaries slated for November this year.
PP national organising secretary Salimu Bagus, said this during a rally that was held by Dowa South East MP Halima Daudi in Lumbadzi, Dowa on Saturday.
The rally was attended by former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secretary general Wakuda Kamanga, national campaign director in PP Kalanzi Mbewe and former UDF regional governor Bundaunda Phiri
“As a democratic party, we will not back anyone during primaries. All the MPs must pass a litmus test from constituents,” said Bagus.
He said only President Joyce Banda will go unopposed because she has ‘demonstrated to be a caring leader and developmental oriented.
“She must serve again so that she can have ample time to develop this country,” said Bagus.
On her part, Daudi who is also Deputy Minister of Health, called on her constituents to put developmental programmes ahead of ‘petty politicking’.
Kamanga called on DPP and loyalists to join PP.
‘The era of DPP is over and now it is PP which is in power. If you are not to be left behind join PP. Why cling on something that cannot help you? Join PP and support the development agenda of the President,” said Kamanga.
