Dausi expresses his sorrow over the fact that some individuals feel more connected to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) than others, leading to confusion. He raises several important points that need to be addressed in order to achieve peace within the party. Firstly, he insists that the party should print and distribute the constitution that is currently under discussion to all members of the National Governing Council (NGC). It is believed that the amendments proposed by Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and the DPP could further burden the Malawian people with their new party constitution, as these amendments are seen as undemocratic.
One of the key issues raised by Mutharika is the reintroduction of party cards, as stated in Section 7(3) of the constitution. This section requires party members to pay a minimum monthly fee of K2,000 in order to maintain their membership. Failure to comply with this payment will result in the termination of their affiliation. Another provision, mentioned in Section 8(3), demands that board members or ambassadors pledge to contribute 10% of their earnings to the party once appointed. Failure to do so gives the party the authority to withdraw their appointment. Furthermore, Section 10(1) requires government-owned companies, such as the Water Board and ESCOM, to contribute 10% of their profits every four months for the party’s smooth operation.
Other proposed amendments include granting the President the power to select the Secretary General, relocating the party headquarters from Lilongwe to Blantyre, and imposing a degree requirement for anyone aspiring to hold a directorate position in the party, such as Women’s Director or Youth Director. The handpicked Secretary General must hold a Master’s degree. Additionally, all Members of Parliament (MPs) will be excluded from the NGC and prohibited from voting at the convention.
The immediate past president will serve as the party’s patron, retaining voting rights at the convention and holding a position in the Central Executive Committee. The President of the party will be accountable to the patron. Regional Vice Presidents will be abolished, and anyone who has previously sued the party, even if the court ruled in their favor, will be ineligible to run for any party office.
