DP backs Kalaba

The opposition Democratic Party (DP) Central Committee has backed Harry Kalaba as party president.

Addressing a media briefing at the party’s secretariat following an emergency central committee meeting prompted by the purported ouster of Mr Kalaba as party leader by three senior party officials, party national secretary general Jewis Chabi says Mr. Kalaba is the legitimate party president as he was elected at the national convention contrary to claims by his vice president Judith Kabemba, National Chairperson Justin Nkonge and Evans Chilambwe that he was only invited to contest the 2021 elections on the DP ticket.

Mr Chabi says the party’s central committee has also resolved to hand the three suspended officials to the party disciplinary committee for further disciplinary action.

He states that trio will remain suspended until further notice for bringing the name of the party and its president in disrepute.

Mr Chabi has since urged all members of the Democratic Party to remain calm.

Speaking at the same event, DP president Harry Kalaba says nothing will stop the Democratic Party from continuing to contest in elections ahead.

Mr Kalaba says his party will remain strong and will discipline any party member who abrogates the party constitution.