BLANTYRE--Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) veteran politician George Nga Mtafu, who earlier wanted to contest for the position of National Chairperson, on Tuesday ignored the party’s national convention to attend a Public Affairs Committee (PAC) second all-inclusive stakeholders conference in Blantyre, Malawi's commercial city.

Until Sunday this week, Mtafu was one of the contenders for the top position of national chairperson but withdrew from the race without giving any reasons.

Other senior UDF members who are conspicuously missing from the convention include acting president Friday Jumbe, Sam Mpasu, Ziliro Chibambo, former parliamentarian Nicolas Kachingwe and Joseph Kubwalo.

Most UDF followers expected to see Mtafu at the convention.

“This is equally important forum and delegates here are deliberating very crucial issues for the betterment of Malawi,” said Mtafu when asked why he wasn't at his party's convention.

At the PAC conference, University of Malawi law professor and leading public intellectual Edge Kanyongolo presented a keynote address on ‘Constitutionalism in 2012 and Beyond'.

PAC Secretary General Maurice Munthali said it was high time Malawi leaders started respecting the rule of law such as the controversial Section 65 of the Constitution of Malawi.

Munthali said the forum would help the country get back on track as delegates will provide possible solutions to the challenges the country is facing.

The theme for the conference is “Time to Restore Democratic ad Economic Governance” and delegates will, among others, discuss the economic and political situation of the country.

Other notable people at the conference are former UDF Director of Research Humphreys Mvula, People's Progressive Movement (PPM) Secretary General Elliot Sam, Petra president Kamuzu Chibambo, Bishop Brighton Malasa, corporate leader Dr. Mathews Chikaonda, Kanyongolo's University of Malawi colleagues Blessings Chinsinga and Jessie Kabwila-Kapasula, activists Billy Banda (Malawi Watch), Emmie Chanika (Civil Liberties Committee) and Undule Mwakasungula (Centre for Human Rights Rehabilitation).

Delegates to the conference will make resolutions Wednesday.

Watch this space for developments.

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(c) The Maravi Post 2012. Reproduction without acknowledgement prohibited

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