Former Malawi Congress Party member Nancy Tembo who contested and won on an independent ticket in the May 21 elections, has said she has always been MCP and will represent the party’s interests in Parliament.

Tembo was forced to stand as an independent following disputed primary elections held on 15 September 2018, which declared Rhino Chiphiko winner.

After the controversial primaries last year, the Lilongwe City South West Constituency representative said this was the only option she was left with.

“I am not leaving MCP. I am still MCP but the constituency who include, the youth, women, men, traditional leaders and businessmen have asked me to represent them in Parliament as an independent,” said Tembo.

In the Tuesday interview at Parliament in Lilongwe, she maintained her allegiance towards the party.

“I’ve always been MCP and I will serve the Malawi nation through the Malawi Congress Party.

“I’ve come to this house an independent member but I will serve the nation through Malawi Congress Party,” she reiterated.

She indicated that her political journey has been determined by the people who loved, pushed and campaigned for her and displayed the confidence they had in her.

Tembo stated that this made it possible for her to win even when the primaries were not in her favour.

The former Malawi Electoral Commission Commissioner pointed out that she is ready to serve her constituents.

“I’ve pledged to them that I will be with them. I will serve the aspirations and will bring all their challenges to parliament and hope that we together work for the development of Lilongwe South West,” Tembo disclosed.

She hailed stakeholders who championed the 50-50 campaign for putting the women’s agenda in the forefront in the elections.

The Lilongwe City South West Constituency legislator however observed that there is still a long way to go to help women attain decision-making positions as Malawi’s culture is predominantly patrineal.

A total of 191 parliamentarians have taken their oaths of office and allegiance by the Chief Justice.

Source : Kulinji