DPP convention set for 17-18 August

Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has set August 17 and 18 2024 as dates for its elective convention ahead of the September 2025 General Election.

In a statement dated July 1 2024 and signed by DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, the party said the main agenda of the convention, to be held in Blantyre, will be to elect new leadership, including the party’s presidential candidate during next year’s polls.

But political analysts have predicted that the meeting will unlikely have challengers for incumbent leader Peter Mutharika, who has been endorsed by many senior party officials and the party having eliminated some contenders that stood in his way.

According to Namalomba, the convention is an opportunity for members of the former governing party to engage in healthy debates, discuss pertinent issues and subsequently choose new leaders.

He said: “With the current political climate in Malawi, DPP’s elective convention is of utmost importance and will shape the party’s direction

“The DPP takes great pride in its inclusive approach, and this convention will be no exception. All members, regardless of their positions or affiliations, will have an equal chance to contribute and participate in the decision-making process.”

In an interview, Namalomba said announcement of the convention dates means the window for accepting nomination papers for various positions is now open to all aspiring candidates.

“It is too early to start telling who has expressed interest officially. Of course we have names who have declared their interest but unofficially,” he said.

In a separate response yesterday, Leader of Opposition in Parliament George Chaponda, who is also convention chairperson, said they were finalising the convention’s budget and was due for release this weekend.

DPP Chief Whip in Parliament Jappie Mhango confirmed in an interview yesterday that subject to nomination by convention delegates, he will be contesting at the convention to defend his current position of vice-president for the Northern Region.

“I will be contesting on the position of vice-president for the North but let me take a look at the statement from the party before I can comment on presentation of nomination papers,” he said.

In May this year, DPP Chiradzulu South legislator Joseph Mwanamvekha said he had shelved his presidential ambitions ahead of the General Election.

The former minister of Finance said instead he would vie for the position of vice president during the forthcoming convention, a likely contender for Chaponda if the convention chairperson would also go for the seat.

In December last year, the DPP pegged the convention budget at about K500 million with Chaponda previously appointed to chair the organising committee.