Malawi: Kapito's threat draws fire

Kapito's threat draws fire The Nation Wednesday, 15 May, 2002 By Pilirani Semu - Banda and Ephraim Munthali Leader of the National Assembly Harry Thomson has said nobody in the United Democratic Front [ UDF] can force the party's MPs to support a bid to change the Constitution to allow an incumbent President to run for more than two term. He described UDF Regional Governor John Kapito statement that the party would fire MPs who did not support the amendment in Parliament as "emotional."
Thomson, who also noted that MPs have a right to speak their mind, was speaking in an interview. "I think it [Kapito's ] was an emotional statement. MPs will have to do their own soul searching and make their own decisions. You can say anything but you can't force everyone to think the same way," said Thomson.

Thomson said the issue of extending terms of Office for the President has "not yet been discussed " at the Party's National Executive. He also said it cannot be discussed at Cabinet evil because it has nothing to do with Government. Constitutional Lawyer Edge Kanyongolo said in a separate interview Kapito's statement was incorrect and unconstitutional. Kanyongola said according to the Constitution, the only time an MP could be fired is when he has crossed the floor or is associating with another political body.

"MPs don't need to fear. They are free to vote any way they want to," said Kanyongolo. Civil Liberties Committee Executive Director Emme Chanika said people should be allowed to speak on the third term without threats from Leaders. She added that if MPs are threatened they should make dishonest choices that would the President. "Why don't they just leave the people and MPs to debate the issue freely and make free choices?" Queried Chanika. Director of Livingstonia CCAP Synod's Church and Society Programme Moses Mkandawire said MPS should be left to act independently and called Kapito's statement "dictatorial."

At the rally, which was broadcast on MBC, Kapito warned all UDF MPs to support the bid to amend the Constitution to allow the President to run for more than two terms of Office or face the chop." When this issue goes to Parliament all UDF MPs should vote for it or they will be fired from the Party," said Kapito.
said Kapito. But yesterday Kapito backtracked on his rally statement, saying he did not mean to threaten the MPs. "You and I both know that according to Law, a political party cannot fire an MP so how could I have said such a thing? All I said was that UDF Mps are supposed to follow what their Constituents urge them on amending the Constitution to increase terms of Office," said Kapito Kapito, however, said he stood by his declaration that President Bakili Muluzi is the UDF 2004 Candidate, adding that he will repeat that at every Rally he will address.