Presidential candidates in the upcoming polls face tough choices on running mates with political experts indicating that they will have to look to the Northern Region, which is likely to be a kingmaker in the September 16 General Election.
The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia also agrees that such a running mate, if they become Vice-President, will help push development for the region.
From the 7 200 905 registered voters, the Northern Region holds 12 percent (895 806) of the electorate while the South has 43 percent (3 070 414 voters). The Centre tops with roughly 45 percent (3 235 405 voters).
come from the North . | Nation
While decisions are not yet made s, names such as Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara and Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba feature highly for the Malawi Congress Party; Jappie Mhango for the Democratic Progressive Party and Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka for UTM Party.
In an interview yesterday, Synod of Livingstonia general secretary the Reverend William Tembo said the region has been neglected for years as evidenced by the failure to complete projects such as Rumphi-Nyika Road, Inkosi M’mbelwa University and Orton Chirwa International Airport.
He said: “The synod’s desire is that every political party should have a running mate from the North because the region will be the decider of this election. We are lobbying with political parties to do this.”
An expert in legislative and electoral politics Gift Sambo said it was likely that the DPP will garner more votes in the South while MCP will lead in the Central Region; hence, will be looking up to the North for votes.
Said Sambo: “President Lazarus Chakwera particularly faces a tough choice between Mumba, who has shaken up things lately and is likable by many, and Hara, who has been in politics for some time and would help on the gender card as well.
“For UTM, Mtumbuka is charismatic, has good integrity, and can make believable promises. For Mhango, he is a seasoned politician, a bulldozer and can help the DPP get votes. Who else can replace these people in the North?”
Meanwhile, governance pundit George Chaima has urged presidential candidates to identify people of good social and moral standing who can steal the show for popular majority support.
Malawians will head to the polls on September 16 this year to elect a President, 229 members of Parliament and 509 ward councillors.
