A local political analyst says the ruling People’s Party-PP should carefully handle the issue of newcomers dominating in major positions at the party’s convention.

Dr Augustine Magolowondo of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy – NIMD – thinks that the dominance of newcomers in key positions has the potential of shaking the party’s grassroots.

Some of the new comers in the PP who have been elected into key positions include Dr. Cassim Chilumpha and Mr. Sidik Mia, who are second and third party vice presidents respectively.

Other new comers who have won in various positions are Mr. Frank Mwenifumbo, Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, Mr. Ken Msonda, Mr. Ralph Kasambara and Mr. Henry Phoya.

“The party should do a lot of dialogue and follow democratic principles, to avoid discomfort among old members who have lost their positions.

“The failure by some older members of the party, can lead to frustration, as they may feel threatened by the newcomers,” said Dr. Magolowondo.

Dr. Magolowondo has however advised the PP leadership to contain any misunderstandings that may arise after the convention.

“The party should try as much as possible to follow democratic principles, inorder to avoid such misunderstandings.

“The party should dialogue and dialogue some more so as to diffuse tension that may arise, should some founding members feel short-changed,” advised the political analyst.