By Joseph Dumbula
In a bold move ahead of the upcoming elections, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President Peter Mutharika has publicly defended his choice of former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Jane Ansah as his running mate, highlighting her extensive experience as a key asset for the party.
He has meanwhile set the tone for the elections which as at now has had over twenty aspirants.
Speaking at a nomination presentation in the capital Lilongwe, Mutharika, 85, emphasized that Ansah’s legal background and her previous role overseeing the controversial 2019 elections make her the ideal candidate to guide Malawi through its current economic struggles.
“Jane Ansah is a high-profile lawyer and Justice of Appeal, and it is her vast experience that we need to bail out Malawi during these troubling times,” Mutharika stated, referencing the nation’s economic challenges, including currency instability, rampant unemployment, and ongoing corruption.
He characterized the court’s decision to annul the 2019 elections as a “legal coup” that undermined the democratic process.
Mutharika’s choice of Ansah, a figure associated with the disputed elections, comes at a time when political tensions in Malawi are high.
The DPP lost to Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in the fresh elections that followed the annulled vote, stirring public sentiment and debate within the political landscape.
Nevertheless, political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche in am interview with the Pan African Visions expressed optimism about Ansah.
“Everyone has moved on from that moment. Now we see Jane Ansah beyond the disputed election, ” he said.
Adding to the political dynamics, two parties, the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) and the National Development Party, have entered an alliance with the DPP.
However, Mkhutche expressed skepticism about the overall value of this partnership, as AFORD’s diminished influence in Malawian politics raises questions about its ability to bolster Mutharika’s campaign.
“AFORD adds no value to DPP. The party is no longer a force to reckon with; it is AFORD that needs DPP to survive,” Mkhutche remarked.
Mutharika’s platform also includes a commitment to addressing political violence, a recurring issue in Malawian politics.
He urged for a peaceful electoral process, emphasizing unity and cooperation among political entities to foster a healthier political environment.
Gender activist Magie Kathewera Banda praised Mutharika’s selection of Ansah, stating, “There’s hope in appointing women to core positions. It reflects a commitment to inclusion and progress.”
As the political landscape heats up, Mutharika faces stiff competition from a diverse field of candidates, including incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, former President Joyce Banda, the sole female candidate in the race, and new UTM President Dalisto Kabambe, who succeeded the late Saulos Chilima.
With the introduction of the 50+1 electoral law, alliances are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome, particularly with over seven million Malawians eligible to vote, according to MEC Chairperson Anabel Mtalimanja.
In light of these developments, Mutharika asserts that he remains the only candidate with the necessary experience and vision to lead Malawi forward.
“We need a leader who understands our challenges and can bring about genuine change,” he concluded, setting the stage for what promises to be a contentious electoral season.
As the clock ticks down to the elections, the Malawian electorate awaits a campaign that not only reflects party lines but also addresses the pressing issues facing the nation.
Experts have constantly held the belief that the interplay of alliances, candidate backgrounds, and public sentiment will undoubtedly shape the political narrative leading up to the polls.
