BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Malawi’s tumultuous politics crossed another threshold today as the former vice president, Cassim Chilumpha, endorsed the candidature of President Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ahead of the fresh presidential election slated for July 2.
Chilumpha, who had been in a political stand-off with late President Bingu wa Mutharika on allegations that he hired a professional hitman to assassinate the president, has said the decision to endorse Mutharika has been made after thorough scrutinization of all presidential candidates.
“After a thorough scrutinization of all the presidential candidates, I and the ADD have reached a decision to endorse the candidature of Professor Arthur Peter Muntharika,” wrote Chilumpha on his official facebook page.
However, in an interview with Maravi Post, Chancellor College based political analyst George Phiri has expressed a shock at Chilumpha’s decision, arguing Mutharika has failed miserably.
“Dr. Chilumpha has a right to his opinion. But I disagree with him. Peter has failed miserably to lead the nation. People have been gumbling and inneed of basic needs. They have demonstrated against his leadership and governance principles. Corruption and unaccountability have characterized Peter’s government,” said Phiri.
Phiri further argues that Chilumpha’s endorsement is not bringing any value to the DPP-UDF alliance, saying the alliance is already rotten.
“No value addition to the DPP-UDF alliance because this alliance is a rotten relationship. Whatever additives or spices you may add to the rotten fish the flavor of a fish is already lost,” he said.
Chilumpha was a force to reckon with during the Bakili Muluzi regime. In 2014, he partnered with late Bingu wa Mutharika, a brother to the incumbent president, as United Democratic Front (UDF) flag carriers.
But Chilumpha went on political hibernation soon after Bingu dumped the UDF and formed the current ruling DPP, and later accused him of orchestrating a plot to assassinate the president.
Wa Mutharika had targeted UDF members and allies of Bakili Muluzi in his anti-graft drive since his move to form another party had enraged the UDF, which launched an impeachment bid to remove him on the basis of crossing the floor.