Tikonze Peoples Movement (TPM) Dr. Cassim Chilumpha who is also former Vice President has promised to attend the first Presidential debate slated for March 29, 2019 despite no receiving invitation from organizers.
On Tuesday, a taskforce responsible for organising the 2019 Presidential Debates led by Teresa Temweka Ndanga released a programe of how the Presidential debates will be conducted ahead of the forthcoming May 21 tripartite election.
According to Ndanga, the first Presidential debate will be held on March 29, 2019 and the debate will be attended by the following Presidential candidates; Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika – Democratic Progressive Party (DPP); Mr. Atupele Austin Muluzi – United Democratic Front (UDF); Dr. Lazarus Chakwera – Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Dr. Saulosi Chilima – UTM.
She said the second debate is scheduled for April 2, 2019 and the debate will be attended by the following candidate; Dr. Cassim Hamim Chilumpha – Tikonze Peoples Movement; Professor John Eugene Chisi – Umodzi Party; Mr. Reverend Hadwick Kaliya – Independent and Mr. Peter Dominic Sinosi Driver Kuwani – Mbakuwaku Movement for Development.
“All registered presidential candidates are invited to the debate on 5th April,” reads in part the statement signed by Ndanga.
Although this is the case, Chilumpha has hinted that he will attend all the three Presidential debates.
“I will attend and will participate even without invitation. I know someone who will not show up but is appearing in this poster. I will take his place!” wrote Chilumpha in his official facebook page attracting mixed reactions from the general.
Although he did not mention the said Presidential candidate, rumors are live that President Mutharika will not take part in the debate.
Two weeks ago the ruling DPP through its Secretary General Grezeldar Jeffrey issued a statement, saying the party will not take part in any debate ahead of the forthcoming May 21 polls.
The party accused the organisers of the debates of being biased.
But Media Institute of Southeren Africa (MISA-Malawi) Chairperson Teresa Ndanga quashed the claims, saying the statement is not true.
Ndanga then urged the party to rescind its decision.
