Main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has unveiled a new alliance with Liberation for Economic Freedom Party ahead of the September 16 General Election.
This is the second partnership DPP is making after joining forces with Alliance for Democracy (Aford) three weeks ago. In alliance, Aford president Enock Chihana has been promised to become second vice-president if DPP wins the polls in September.
In an interview yesterday, DPP secretary general Peter Mukhito confirmed the new alliance.
“We are not just looking for votes but working with people who are in line with our vision,” he said.
On his part, Liberation for Economic Freedom Party leader Prophet David Mbewe said he joined DPP after the public requested the opposition parties to work together against the governing Malawi Congress Party.
“Chiefs, the clergy and many Malawians have asked us to join with other parties to work together,” he said.
Mbewe clarified that his decision to form an alliance with DPP is not because the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) rejected his nomination papers.
MEC on Wednesday approved 17 out of 20 presidential aspirants who presented their nomination papers to contest in next month’s general election.
The list excludes independent aspirant Revelend Hadwick Kaliya, Nationalist Patriotic Party torchbearer Daniel Dube and Mbewe.
The three, among others, failed to present all signed documents to the commission.
“We were already in alliance negotiations even during the time we were submitting nomination papers,” said Mbewe.
However, political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche said the alliance has no numerical strategic advantage to the DPP.
“LEF brings insignificant numbers and political relevance to the alliance. Besides this, it lacks clarity of developmental views as well as charismatic leadership,” he said.
