Jappie Mhango Appointed DPP Vice President – North

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has with immediate effect appointed parliamentarian Jappie Mhango as the party’s Vice President for the northern region.

The party’s Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba issued a statement confirming Mhango’s appointment following a meeting by the Central Executive Committee on Tuesday, which was chaired by the party’s president Peter Arthur Mutharika.

“The party leadership believes that Mhango will among others help in uniting members of the party following the intra-party fights that have been happening with the party ranks,” Namalomba said.

However, some political observers have expressed concerns with the appointment said to have come despite the High Court ruling for the party to hold an elective convention soon.

A Political Science graduate from the Chancellor College Tiyane Nyirenda said political parties need to embrace democratic tendencies in a fair and transparent process.

“The appointment of a party vice president without holding an elective convention could be seen as undermining the democratic principles that should be upheld within the party,” Nyirenda said.

He further stated that elective conventions provide an opportunity for members to participate in the selection process and voice out their preferences, ensuring that leadership positions are decided through a democratic and inclusive manner.

“By disregarding the ruling and making the appointment without following the prescribed procedure, it may raise concerns about transparency and fairness within the party,” he said.

In conclusion, the learned political scientist said political parties must adhere to their internal democratic processes and respect the decisions made by the Courts, as they form the foundations of a functioning democracy.

Meanwhile, it remains important to monitor developments and see how this situation unfolds and whether the party will take appropriate actions to address the concerns raised by the High Court ruling.

The position of DPP Vice President for the North fell vacant following the death of Goodall Gondwe on 8th August this year