Opposition Democratic People’s Congress (Depeco) has announced plans to hold an extraordinary meeting to chart a way forward following the abrupt defection of its president, Chris Daza, to the People’s Party (PP) earlier this week.
In an interview with MBC Digital, Depeco Secretary General, Jonathan Katsache, dismissed claims by Daza that the party had disbanded, insisting that Depeco remains intact and operational despite Daza’s departure.
Daza had announced at a press conference in Mzuzu that Depeco had been disbanded and that he was rejoining PP, where he was welcomed by its leader and former state president, Joyce Banda.
Katsache emphasized that Depeco’s structures remain strong, with 11 out of 12 regional governors still loyal to the party as only one has followed Daza to PP.
And the party’s Director of Elections, Daniel Khonyongwa, said that Daza’s actions were unconstitutional.
“The party has not been dissolved. Daza’s decision to defect to PP was personal and does not reflect the position of Depeco.
“Article 30 of our constitution clearly states that the party can only be dissolved after a 12-month notice and a resolution passed at a national conference. None of that has happened,” Khonyongwa said.
Political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche weighed in on the situation, stating that DEPECO now faces an uphill battle ahead of the September 16 general election as Daza was its most recognizable figure, making his departure a major setback.
He has however advised DEPECO’s remaining leadership to consider forming an electoral alliance with other political parties.
This is the second time Depeco has found itself in such a crisis after Daza also defected to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) prior to the 2019 Tripartite Elections.
By George Banda
