Livingstonia Synod divided on JB, Chakwera support
A frightening division has ensued among the administrators on the Church of the Central African Presbyterian (CCAP), with general secretary Levi Nyondo behaving in favour of incumbent President Joyce Banda’s candidacy in the May 20 tripartite elections while the rest of the synod spiritual staff have indisputably shown allegiance to Malawi Congress Party (MCP) presidential torchbearer Reverend Lazarus Chakwera, Nyasa Times can exclusively reveal.
Impeccable members of the administrative council of the Synod told Nyasa Times that, for example, the University of Livingstonia (Unilia) staff is for Chakwera and his running mate Richard Msowoya.
About a week ago, sources have confirmed, Msowoya delivered a public lecture at University of Livingstonia – a visit which was an initiative of the staff there. The aim was simply to garner morale for MCP in the area.
Nyasa Times investigations have corroborated the information that the Synod is divided, with revelations that Moderator Dr. Timothy Nyasulu, head of the Synod’s spiritual family, being behind Chakwera’s candidature while his colleague Nyondo – ironically responsible for all the happenings in the Synod, including funding – is for President Banda.
“Most clerics within the Synod, including the moderator are behind Chakwera while Nyondo is strongly behind Presdent Banda.
“Nyondo is actually the one who had reasoned with Khumbo [Kachali] not to ditch the ruling People’s Party (PP) for MCP,” said a source.
According to the source, rumours that had been rife a few months ago that Kachali had wanted to leave PP after Banda chose Gwengwe as her running mate were true.
Kachali was allegedly supposed to announce his defection the time Banda spent a few days touring the northern region about four weeks ago.
“But when Nyondo got wind of the whole thing he advised Kachali against the idea,” explained our source.
In a telephone interview with Nyasa Times , Nyondo downplayed reports of divisions over political support.
“We’re very united and working properly. The Synod is actually very apolitical,” he said.
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