Laban-Mawprem MDC Mitchel Wankhar resigned from the National People’s Party (NPP) today.
Speaking to reporters, Wankhar said that he plans on running in next year’s Assembly elections for the Mylliem seat on a regional party ticket. The United Democratic Party (UDP) is thought to be his first choice.
“With the state now 50 years old, the time is ripe to give the regional parties a chance,” he said. “I have consulted with a few regional parties and I feel at home with them.”
Wankhar cited “personal reasons” for his resignation but with the race for tickets hotting up, the speculation is that he was not the NPP’s favoured choice for the Mylliem seat. It is rumoured that the NPP will instead offer it to the sitting Hamletson Dohling, who is thought to be considering whether to ditch the People’s Democratic Front in favour of the NPP.
However, Wankhar said that no discussions have taken place with regards to party tickets. He further said that is thankful to have been able to win the Laban-Mawprem seat through the NPP and has nothing against the party.