Mutharika to declare stance soon

Former State President Peter Mutharika, who also leads Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday told legislators that met him at his official residence in Mangochi that he will ‘soon’ be telling Malawians on whether he will contest in 2025 or not.

The legislators went to Mangochi to back Mutharika’s 2025 presidential ticket following endorsement from the National Governing Council (NGC) last week Monday, amid queries from some members within the party that the process is being undemocratic.

In an interview after the interaction, Victor Musowa of Mulanje Bale said the meeting was meant for the MPs to give weight to Mutharika on the endorsement.

“The President urged us to speak to our constituents that he is still considering the endorsements, that he is praying and that very soon he will speak to Malawians and tell them his feedback. With our meeting, it will not take long; he is going to declare his stance very soon, am very hopeful.

“We are not the only people who have called on him, the church, civil society, all have spoken to him. It’s not easy for other candidates to compete with a president of a party. They have to campaign hard, but for us, our candidate is Mutharika,” he said.

Musowa also argued that the MPs decided to meet Mutharika because some of them did not have the opportunity to speak on the matter as they are not members of the NGC.

“Some of the MPs had no opportunity to attend the NGC because we are not members if the NGC. Endorsements are part of the process in any competition. Anyone can choose to endorse, and it is not new in democratic dispensation.

“What it means going forward is that the game has been upped. There are 41 MPs us who support this; some did not come but sent video and audio endorsements, no one is forcing them. This is much stronger and the President knows he is surely supported.”

According to Musowa, Mutharika told them that he was glad that the MPs had called on him, and urged them to continue what they are doing in their constituencies.

Mangochi Central legislator Victoria Kingston added that she has had consultations with people in her area, who wants Mutharika to contest in the 2025 polls as DPP torch bearer.

Mutharika did not grant any interview after the meeting, but his spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said the former Malawi leader urged the MPs to continue supporting him, but also growing the DPP at grassroots level.

None of the presidential candidates who are MPs attended the meeting. They are Joseph Mwananmvekha of Chiradzulu South, Bright Msaka of Machinga Likwenu and Kondwani Nankhumwa of Mulanje Central.

In a brief interview, Mwanamvekha said he “I will make my stand known at an appropriate time. For now, I won’t comment anything.”

Another candidate Paul Gadama said the endorsements do not necessarily constitute President Mutharika’s stand to contest or not.

“If APM hinted as to his stand in this regard, my candidature would’ve been reconsidered. Without that, I take it the same way if other quarters endorse me or any candidate in the party,” he said.

Others candidates namely Nankhumwa, Bright Msaka and Dalitso Kabamba have yet to speak after the endorsements.

Earlier, Associate Professor of Political Science at University of Malawi (Unima), Boniface Dulani urged other candidates not to back down, wondering why some members were insisting on Mutharika who Malawians rejected during the 2020 fresh presidential polls.

“This just shows inability to groom leadership. Mutharika served this country and at his age, you would think they will go for someone to take over.

“Mutharika is just a candidate; those endorsing are just few votes. There is need to allow new leadership that can bring new ideas and give the party a fresh face and perspective to make it attractive,” he said.

The DPP constitution under Article 10 (4) says unless otherwise disqualified, a member of the NGC shall be eligible for re-election for two more terms, of five years each, meaning, one can occupy a position for at least 15 years.

Peter Mutharika took over the leadership of DPP after the death of his brother, Bingu wa Mutharika in April 2012, and propelled the party to victory in the 2014 Tripartite Elections.

However, he lost the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election in June 2020 to President Lazarus Chakwera who led a nine-political-party Tonse Alliance.
END.