UDF is key to winning Malawi watershed polls – Analysts
Political analysts and governance commentators have said the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by youthful Minister of Health Atupele Muluzi, hold key to winning the May 21 2019 watershed Tripartite Elections.
The elections will be a three –block affair among UTM Party of State vice-president Saulos Chilima, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) of Lazarus Chakwera and the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of incumbent president Peter Mutharika, according to political scientists Joseph Chunga and Ernest Thindwa , both from Chancellor College , a constituent of the University of Malawi.
Chunga said: “I am convinced that the DPP maybe considering to seriously strike a deal with UDF. They now understand that it is more urgent for them to work together than it was two weeks ago.”
He based his arguments on the formation of opposition coalition which Chilima is heading for UTM and other four parties.
Thindwa opines that if DPP fails to take UDF on its ticket, then “that will enhance the chances of UTM and MCO to be competitive.”
He said if DPP and UDF decide to go for an alliance, it will be “ a big boost for them.”
UDF secretary general said so far Muluzi is the party torch bearer.
“We haven’t agreed with nay party yet and honourable Muluzi will be represent the [UDF] party,” said Padambo.
On the other hand, governance commentator Makhumbo Munthali told Nyasa Times that UDF risk being duped by DPP.
“It is clear that both UTM and DPP wanted to name their respective running mate after the other had done so. However, now with the just released Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) schedule it is likely that DPP will name its running mate after UTM has done so- that is during the submission of nomination papers.
“Interestingly, the MEC schedule puts UDF in every tricky situation in as far as their ambition to see Atupele Muluzi become Mutharika’s running mate. UDF will have to choose whether to stand alone in the election or keep on trusting that Mutharika stick to their earlier plan by choosing Atupele as running mate,” Muthali said.
However, the governance expert said the situation becomes even more tricky if DPP is to announce the running mate on the day of the submission of the papers – a day after the allocated slot for Atupele’s submission.
“ It is in this regard, that if DPP is really serious of featuring Atupele as running mate, UDF must demand that Mutharika publicly announce that in good time -way before the day Atupele is expected to make his submission. Otherwise, UDF risk being duped,” he said.
On speculation that DPP is offering Atupele to be the second vice President if they win, he warned that is a dead cert.
“I think for second vice presidency it’s a non-starter. People should not abuse such a constitutional provision to satisfy selfish interests which are far from national interest.
“Besides, there is already a recommendation by the Law Commission to abolish the second vice presidency. Whatever agreement UDF and DPP may have as regards to the 2019 tripartite elections it has to be outside the second vice presidency.
“I think it would do UDF and its supporters more good if DPP makes its position clear on the matter before Atupele’s allocated day of submission so that they decide whether to go into the 2019 Tripartite elections alone as UDF or get into an alliance with either MCP or UTM (and others).”
This Monday, UTM-PP-Aford and Tikonze alliance is expected to announce its presidential candidate, largely believed to be Chilima.
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Atupele and his father are finished
DPP is afraid of choosing Atupele as a running mate because of what Bingu did in 2014,i mean dumping it to form DPP,akuopa kuzabetsa mtsogolo muno.
You DPP and UDF parties please leave APM & Atupele alone to do what they want. Our Constitution gives the power of choosing the running mate to the presidential candidate and not a political party.
The constitution states: Every presidential candidate shall declare who shall be his or her first vice president if he or she is elected at the time of his or her nomination.
Unless we change this clause our presidential candidates will always take advantage of that clause not to listen to what their parties say.
Atupere can not join UTM coalition because of one thing.Muluzis ex-wife
Makhumbo Munthali is so obsessed with DPP, I bet he will develop ulcers on 21 May ndithu. Stress imumaliza
The grave mistake that many political commentators are making is that they can not differentiate between Atupele Muluzi and his father Bakili Muluzi. In the first general elections, Atupele took advantage of his father’s popularity. Voters were fooled by thinking that Atupele is like Atcheya who was loved country-wide. But now they have realized that he is just another politician who is there for his own stomach. No, Atupele is no longer a force to reckon; even Lucius Banda, the former UDF diehard, has run away from him. I think the main contenders are the UTM, MCP and DPP. I… Read more »
“loved country wide” ???? you mean the ten dark years?
I want to differ with my learned friends on this one. Much as Atupele should have been the deciding card he has lost it in my own view because of his long stay in government. I do not think he commands that following he has in the 2014 elections, he has created his own burden which he mast carry to the election day. On the other hand even if he stood on his own it would still be very tricky because he might end up prisiding over the demise of UDF. Lets wait and see but for sure he lost… Read more »
Udf must put the interest of malawians first buy joining utm, pep and chilumpha to take us out from this corrupt government nevertheless iwalani baba
Ife a Chipani cha ku mmawa(UDF) taonerera tatopa. Ifenso ndi masapota a amene timafuna kumasapotera timu yathu ndi confidence. Tikukanika kumasuka chifukwa chodikirira madzi aphutsi. Mwationjezatu!!! Concerned UDF supporter
I agree with chabs. Guys be clever otherwise forget.