Chaponda In To Lead Parliamentary Opposition

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has officially proposed the former minister of Agriculture, George Chaponda, the newly appointed DPP Vice President for the South, to replace Kondwani Nankhumwa as the leader of the opposition in Parliament.

The proposition of Chaponda comes barely a few days following the dismissal of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Kondwani Nankhumwa from the DPP.

The party’s Spokesperson, Shadric Namalomba states that Nankhumwa’s expulsion from the party made his position vacant, leading to the proposal.

“Nankhumwa can no longer continue serving as leader of Opposition in Parliament since his expulsion from the DPP,” said Namalomba.

The DPP mouthpiece further confirmed the appointment of Jappie Mhango as DPP chief whip, with Mary Navicha as the deputy, replacing Julius Mwase and Victoria Kingston Mangochi Central Legislator, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Legal expert from the University of Malawi, Bernadette Malunga supports DPP’s stance, asserting that Nankhumwa ceases to be the leader of the opposition unless he challenges his expulsion in court.

“Nankhumwa ceases to be the leader of Opposition in Parliament considering that he came through the DPP ticket, if anything he must challenge the dismissal in Court,” said Malunga.

Efforts to speak to Nankhumwa could not yield positive results since his mobile phone went unanswered on several times we tried calling him.

The Democratic Progressive Party expelled Nankhumwa, Grezelder Jeffrey, Cecelia Chazama, Nicholas Dausi and others for conducting a National Governing Council meeting without the blessings of the party President, Arthur Peter Mutharika.