UDF, DPP in ‘governing pact’ not a coalition –expert

University of Malawi political analyst Dr Henry Chingaipe has said Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and w United Democratic Front (UDF are in a ‘governing pact’ not a coalition and has called the affair ‘cosy’.

Leader of the House Francis Kasaila confirmed the working relationship of DPP and UDF calling it a coalition.

But Chingaipe called the affair as an arrangement between the elected political elites of the parties.

“As such, I find it difficult to call it a coalition as not all members are involved nor were all concerned consulted; hence making it a secret ‘coalition’,” said Chingaipe in an interview published in The Nation newspaper.

Chingaipe said it was expected that UDF would be in a closer relationship with DPP after UDF President Atupele Muluzi was appointed into Cabinet.

The political analysts pointed out that DPP did not need UDF to govern after they won the election.

“If the current arrangement fell apart, the government would still function as if nothing ever happened. With coalitions, the scenarios would be very different. The UDF/DPP arrangement is simply some kind of a ‘a political pact’ that began with agreements at personal level and over time, following the drift of patrimonial politics that characterise our political leaders, extended to their political parties,” said Chingaipe.

There has been widespread speculation on President Peter Mutharika and Atupele Muluzi’s working political relationship of late.

Chingaipe also noted that Muluzi and Mutharika are “repositioning themselves for the future.”

He pointed out that “this may affect or shape the incentive structures of their parties differently, for good or worse. Only time will tell. For now, all I can say is the world is watching; and watching closely.”