Councillor for Blantyre City Soche East Ward Leonard Chimbanga has quashed claims by Member of Parliament for Zomba Chisi, Mark Botomani that the National Governing Council meeting held in Nkopola Lodge was undemocratic.

On Monday, the opposition DPP held its first NGC meeting at Nkopola Lodge where delegates endorsed its leader Peter Mutharika as a torchbearer in the forthcoming 2025 polls.

Delegates also shifted the party’s elective conference to July next year.

But speaking in an interview with the press Botomani described the NGC meeting as undemocratic.

“On the functional review report, people were not given a chance to ask questions. This may divide the party further because we know some candidates have been campaigning and it’s not easy to just let go of such a support base.

“People were not even given a chance to state if they had other options for candidates. I hope we deal with these things and move on as one party,” said Botomani.

Reacting to the development Chimbanga said all delegates were given a chance to speak at the NGC meeting.

“In a democracy the majority rules. The NGC delegates have spoken.

I read in one daily paper that one Presidential aspirant who did want to be named said the DPP NGC meeting was undemocratic. That is untrue. All aspirants except for Dr Paul Gadama were present when delegates endorsed His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to be the Party touch bearer in the next Presidential Elections,” said Chimbanga.

He added: “The said person or his supporters could have objected to people’s choice while in the room when they were given a chance to do so but they were all silent and the ” I’s had it” than speak to the media which is against the Party’s code of conduct going forward. Their silence meant they were in agreement. It is time to start moving in one direction.

“The people of Malawi want leadership because Chakwera and Tonse have failed to govern this country. They have failed the economy. DPP should be united and provide that leadership and hope. Let’s rise above personal ambitions. When the time is right those aspiring will also be chosen to lead the Party. Let’s listen to the people. If it’s APM they want and trust let’s give them APM.

“Those bitter should not create problems. The people are now happy that we are united. “