Mahomed Hanif Osman — popularly known as ‘OG Issa’
By Duncan Mlanjira
Having lost his seat as Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu Central Constituency in the 2019 tripartite elections, Mahomed Hanif Osman — popularly known as ‘OG Issa’ — has now shifted to contest for a seat in the august House to represent people of Zomba Changalume.
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The legislator from 2014-2019 is vying for the post again as an independent in the March 30 by-elections after the post fell vacant following the death of Parliamentarian John Chikalimba — who was also leader for the People’s Party (PP) in the National Assembly.
The Chiradzulu Central Constituency was won by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, McTimes Pagonapanja Malewa.
For the Zomba Changalume by-election, OG Issah faces other candidates standing on PP, UTM Party, the DPP and United Democratic Front (UDF) tickets.
Reports indicate that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is not featuring any candidate but will support a candidate of its choice.
Reports indicate that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is not featuring any candidate but will support one of its alliance partners — PP candidate Lawrence Bisika.
PP candidate Lawrence Bisika
MCP secretary general, Eisenhower Mkaka confirmed the development, saying since the constituency was occupied by PP, they saw it right and proper that in respecting the departed soul of Chikalemba they should support the PP candidate.
Mkaka declined to comment on what is being alleged on various social media platforms that MCP will not field a candidate in the area because it is not its stronghold and is likely to lose if it decides to do so.
On his part, Bisika said the support from MCP demonstrates a spirit of political fairness and solidarity that exists in the Tonse Alliance.
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However, political analyst George Phiri expressed a dissenting view on the development, saying maturity of politicians in terms of alliances is not yet there in Malawi probably because this is the first alliance to win an election in the country.
“It was necessary for them (MCP) to remain quiet if they are not fielding a candidate and allow the alliance members to compete effectively and have equal footing on the ground. Being biased towards one partner may be a cause for breakouts,” said Phiri.
He added that if this continues it may predict cracks and the alliance may not be there in the next elections.
It will also affect the future progress of the parties as this shows biasness in managing their political affairs.—Additional reporting by Leah Malimbasa, MANA
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