In a twist of events that could short-change some voters, more independent legislators-elect are switching their allegiance to the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ahead of taking their oaths on October 27 and 28.
Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja on October 1 announced that DPP secured 78 parliamentary seats out of 224 constituencies declared. She also said 70 seats were won by independent MPs.
Yesterday, DPP in Mzuzu welcomed into its fold four independent members of Parliament (MPs)-elect.
The MPs are William Kaweche of Mzuzu City South-East, Chance Munthali of Chitipa South, Jacob Mtambalika of Nkhata Bay Mpamba and Ackim Kumwenda of Mzimba West.
During the ceremony, DPP vice-president (North) Jappie Mhango also welcomed Mzuzu City Katoto-Chibavi Ward councillor Gabriel Mwaungulu.
Speaking in an interview, Mhango said more legislators for the governing party will mean increased strength in Parliament.
Said Mhango: “We need to rebuild this country, which has gone through the worse and we need more members for us to do that. It also means that our party is attractive to those who join.
“It [the numbers] makes life easier in Parliament if we are numerically strong because the very same new members are the ones that will help the DPP-led government to successfully pass its policies and bills in Parliament.”
Kaweche said he joined DPP to benefit from its development agenda.
He listed various projects, including construction of roads, health posts and classrooms that he intends to carry out in his constituency.
Political analyst George Chaima said in a separate interview that the new movement of independent MPs was expected, but expressed fear that it can weaken the opposition side in Parliament.
He said: “The history of Malawi Parliament will probably have the ‘worst’ opposition force due to its low representation.
“This is because more MPs, including those from the main opposition Malawi Congress Party [MCP] are likely to join the DPP.”
Last week, several independent legislators in the Central and Southern regions also switched their status to DPP.
MCP secured 53 seats while UTM Party has eight, United Democratic Front has four, People’s Party and Alliance for Democracy have three each.
Freedom Party, National Democratic Party and People’s Development Party got one seat each.
