Tag Archives: Democratic progressive Party – DPP

Politics

High Court delays ruling on DPP’ leader for LoP in Parliament recipe for chaos: But why?

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is facing a growing sense of unease as the High Court continues to delay making a determination on the party’s Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

This delay has raised concerns among party members and stakeholders, with fears that it could lead to further chaos and confusion within the party and in Parliament.

The DPP recently moved to vacate an injunction obtained by Kondwani Nankhumwa against the party, in an effort to assert its own choice for Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

However, the High Court’s delay in issuing a ruling on the matter has left the party in a state of limbo, unsure of who holds the rightful position.

Party spokesperson Namalomba expressed disappointment in the delay, highlighting that the High Court had initially assured them that the case would be treated as a matter of urgency.

Three weeks have passed since the matter was presented, and the lack of a ruling has only added to the confusion within the party.

Vice Chairperson for the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Michael Kaiyatsa also weighed in on the situation, warning that the delay by the court could lead to even more chaos within the DPP and in Parliament.

He urged the court to expedite its ruling to prevent any further complications.

The current situation has also led to a standoff within the party, with the DPP recognizing Mary Navicha as the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, while the Speaker continues to recognize Kondwani Nankhumwa.

This conflicting recognition has only added to the uncertainty and instability within the party.

The Catholic Bishops recently addressed the issue of delays in the judiciary in their pastoral letter titled “The sad story of Malawi,” where they criticized the failure to regulate judges who take time to hear cases, thereby frustrating the delivery of justice.

This criticism has only heightened the concerns surrounding the delay in the ruling on the Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

As the DPP awaits a decision from the High Court, the party finds itself in a precarious position, with its leadership structure in question and the potential for further chaos looming.

The urgency of the situation has been emphasized by various stakeholders, who are calling for swift action to prevent any further complications within the party and in Parliament.

The delay in the ruling on the Leader of Opposition in Parliament has created a sense of uncertainty and instability within the DPP.

The party’s members and stakeholders are anxiously waiting for a resolution to the situation, as the longer the delay persists, the greater the potential for chaos and confusion.

It is imperative for the High Court to expedite its ruling to bring clarity and resolution to this ongoing issue.

Opinion, Politics

How Chakwera’s MCP savagely killing DPP, Chilima

Maravi Post Author

By Lyson Sibande

I will not be an honest person if I don’t admit that while Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has disappointingly failed to run this country with unprecedented levels of mediocrity, they are the master planners and executers of crafty clandestine political operations.

For a long time, we made the mistake of overestimating Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and underestimated MCP. DPP claimed to be a system, but they are not.

With so much ease, MCP has infiltrated and dismantled the much touted DPP system. MCP has proved that when it comes to politics, they are the masters of this phase of our history. DPP’s political capabilities were overestimated.

Personally, I began to notice something different about MCP in 2019. I suspected that MCP had recruited a special political consultant who was a master of strategy.

You see, though MCP lost the 2019 elections to DPP, they shocked me with a humiliating defeat against DPP in Parliament. MCP won the seat of Speaker, and also won the seat of Deputy Speaker.

MCP also influenced the outcome of the position of Second Deputy Speaker. As a result, DPP won the ballot but lost shamefully everything in Parliament. I figured MCP was back in the game of politics.

After humiliating DPP in Parliament, MCP still had more surprises. They had just began to inflict pain and injury. DPP was yet to suffer the worst.

MCP immediately successfully disputed an internationally-declared fair and free election and got the High Court to hear the case.

In 2020, they successfully defeated DPP at the High Court and again at the Supreme Court of Appeal in the Presidential Elections Case.

They successfully overthrew DPP out of government through well planned and perfectly executed grand strategy which was apparently put in motion before the 2019 Elections.

DPP could not understand that they had lost government. They didn’t see it coming. They were ambushed.

While nursing the wounds of defeat, DPP went to Court in 2021 to seek nullification of the Presidency of Lazarus Chakwera.

This followed the re-composition of the Electoral Commission. It had been recomposed on grounds that it had been illegally composed towards the 2019 and 2020 Elections. Again, MCP humiliated DPP, and the blue giant walked out of the court badly bruised and limping on both legs.

After inflicting such fatal damage on DPP, MCP was still not yet done. They skillfully outwitted DPP by thwarting its attempt to put a capable Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

DPP miserably failed to put a Leader of Opposition in Parliament. The result was that MCP now had the position of Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Leader of Opposition as well. Can you imagine that? That is unheard of anywhere in the world. Now you understand why I just have to give MCP all the credit. That’s super-genius politics right there.

DPP is bleeding, and it’s MCP that has done that. DPP is paralyzed and heavily traumatized courtesy of MCP strategies. DPP is in a comma in a hospital bed in the ICU, plugged to a life supporting machine. MCP did that to them.

Chakwera’s MCP on Chilima political path

Saulos Chilima, Malawi Vice President and UTM leader shook the nation. He was praised and worshiped as mfana oganiza bho. He was adored as the greatest marketer, and caused DPP some problems.

Amaoneka kuti anali mfana ovuta kuthana naye, shasha. But MCP went straight for Chilima. They simply bundled him up, put him in sack bag and threw him at the corner. Sanaphuphenso.

They finished Chilima with so much ease, gaged his mouth and caged him like a dog. That is how MCP has humiliated all those that thought they were the best at the game of politics.

MCP, ndakutayilani kamtengo pandale. Mulibe mzanu. But I wished you used the same efforts, strategy and intelligence that you deploy when destroying your opponents, to destroy and humiliate our poverty. Fix this country the way you fixed DPP and Chilima.

Inflict damage on unemployment and defeat hunger the way you have done with DPP and Chilima. That way the country will benefit from your unmatched display of political acumen and mastery.

It is very unfortunate that after screwing DPP and Chilima, you have screwed every Malawian. Not fair at all.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author not necessarily of The Maravi Post or Editor

Politics

Kondwani Nankhumwa not alone in his political predicament

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Political tension in the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) continues as some party top gurus have vowed to fully support expelled Kondwani Nankhumwa to continue as the Leader of the Opposition in Malawi Parliament.

The development comes after Speaker of National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 barred George Chaponda as new Leader of Opposition for business Committee meeting.

Instead Speaker recognised Nankhumwa as opposition leader upon getting legal advise from Attorney General (AG) Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda.

Reliable inside sources confided to us on Wednesday evening that they are not part of the decision to remove Nankhumwa (Mulanje Central) from the position and replace him with George Chaponda (Mulanje South-West).

“We see no reason to replace Nankhumwa yet there is a court order restraining the same.

“We cannot be part of those trying to break the law while we sit in the honorable house that make laws,” laments one of DPP gurus in an interview.

DPP’s top officials laments clearly show how cracks in the party continue to widen ahead of Friday’s opening of 2024/25 Parliament Budget Session, as they emphasize on supporting the age limit bill.

If the rumored bill is tabled and passed, it stands a chance to benefit notable figures within DPP whose ages are less than Peter Mutharika and have shown interest in the party’s Presidency.

In 2022 Nankhumwa took injunction restraining Mutharika from replacing him as Leader of Opposition in Parliament, the injunction that has not been vacated to date.

Nankhumwa fell-out with Peter Mutharika due to intra-party wrangles following the former’s decision to contest as DPP’ President at the Convention yet to be conducted, the decision that made a faction led by Mutharika to axe Nankhumwa and others from the party.

Opinion, Politics

What does it mean for Kondwani Nankhumwa to appear on a ballot paper in 2025 Tripartite General Elections?

Rick Dzida

Malawians have heard it for themselves that Kondwani Nankhumwa (KN) has vowed to appear on the ballot paper in the coming 2025 tripartite general elections.

Frankly speaking, this is very exciting news because KN has proved to all Malawians that he is determined to achieve what he aspires to.

This development comes after the main opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) fired him from the party for what can be summarily dubbed a cold coup d’état. Indeed when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

There are possibly four options that will enable KN to appear on the ballot paper vis a vis presidential candidate, running mate, member of parliament, and councilor.

By way of elimination, KN is so ambitious that he would feel like a demotion to contest for local government elections. Being a councilor is an inferior position for him.

Malawians can recall that KN declined to accept the position of Chief whip of parliament because he felt that it was a demotion from being the Leader of the opposition.

This leaves us with three practical options that KN can pursue so that his name can appear on a ballot paper, presidential candidate, running mate, and member of parliament. Let us dissect these three possibilities.

In terms of combinatorics, KN can stand as a presidential candidate or a running mate while vying for the position of lawmaker in the National Assembly.

Much as it does not need one to be affiliated with a political party for one to be a presidential candidate or a running mate, KN is most likely forming a new party and/ or joining an electoral alliance.

Whatever the case, such a move is more advantageous to the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) than it is to the main opposition party.

The recent defections such as Uladi Mussa and Nicholas Dausi to MCP must be a wake-up call to DPP to organise itself as soon as possible.

It is a blue lie that such notable politicians who have exited DPP will not go away with substantial followers. May the best strategist win the presidential election in 2025.

Law and order, Malawi

Supreme Court dismisses Nankhumwa, Jeffrey application against DPP, Mutharika with costs

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Justice Dorothy Nya Kaunda Wednesday, January 3, 2024 dismissed an application by three senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials who were challenging their party president’s decision to assign them other responsibilities within the party.

The DPP senior members including Kondwani Nankhumwa, Griezelder Jeffrey, and Cecilia Chazama, petitioned the court for an interim order for interim relief against the decision and nullification of decisions made by President Peter Mutharika during a national governing council meeting held on December 13, 2023.

Justice Nyakaunda has dismissed the application in its entirety with costs.

More to come….

Malawi, Politics

DPP’s presidential aspirant Dr. Kabambe hopes for Malawi’s promising future

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-One of the presidential aspirants for the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Dr. Dalitso Kabambe has wished all Malawians across the country and abroad a happy new with hope for a promising future.

In his brief but powerful New Year message Dr. Kabambe, a former Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor, says: “A new year always brings with it a renewed sense of optimism and hope for a promising future.”

As Governor of the Reserve Bank, Economist cum politician Dr. Kabambe was responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership, in line with the principles dictated by the role of a central bank.

During his tenure as RBM Governor, the Central Bank provided the government with accurate economic advice.

Fuel prices were properly cushioned in avoidance of human suffering (Inflation).

Previously, Dr Kabambe worked in the Malawi Government Economic Service for 19 years from 1998.

He held positions including Principal Economist, Chief Economist, Deputy Director of Economic Planning and, Budget Director in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development.

Dr Kabambe also served as Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for close to 2 years.

Dr. Kabambe holds a PhD and a Master’s Degree in Development Economics from Imperial College – University of London, United
Kingdom which were obtained in 2008 and 2001, respectively.

Workaholic economist Kabambe also holds a BSc Degree from the University of Malawi, obtained in 1998.

Politics

Afro-barometer study favours opposition DPP: Chakwera’s “Tonse Alliance” falls

Maravi Post Reporter

ZOMBA-(MaraviPost)-The newly released Afro-barometer report has favoured opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) saying Malawians are tired of Reverend Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance administration and want DPP back in government.

DPP is beating Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in all categories by double digits as UTM is nowhere to be seen to compete at the national level.

DPP has a 15 point lead over Tonse Alliance (both UTM and MCP) combined

AFRO- BAROMETER REPORT AND ITS INTERPRETATION.

Going into figures as issued by Afro- Barometer

35% of town men would vote for DPP while 21% would go for MCP and 13% for UTM. The report also says DPP would amass 43% of men voting for it while MCP gets 27.5% and UTM scores 6.5%.

In the rural areas DPP still commands a comfortable lead of 43% while MCP comes in with 27.5% and their fellow bed ruling party UTM scores a meagre 6.5%.

In the trading centers MCP beats DPP with 23.8% while DPP comes closely second with 21.9% and UTM gets 17.3%/

They have every reason to dance

The report also says 40% of men would vote for DPP while MCP scores distance second with 25.7% and UTM further distance at 8.8%

And for women, DPP still toping with 41.7% while MCP comes second with 27.3% and UTM scores 6.7%

According to the university of Malawi, they have indicated that DPP has 41.2% and MCP at 26.4% and UTM gets 7.9%.

In nutshell no party can win an election alone without partnership.

If DPP makes an alliance with UTM the total votes would be 49.6%

While MCP goes into alliance with UTM, total they get 34.3%.

Chakwera’s Tonse government is yet to comment on the study.

Politics

MP Ben Phiri Moves a Motion Against Expiry of Data Bundles: Implores Govt To Engage Providers

Maravi Post Reporter
Ben Phiri
MP Ben Phiri

Hon. Ben Phiri,  Member of Parliament for Thyolo Central Constituency and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Field Marshal also former Minister of Local government,  moved an important motion in Parliament, which If approved  will see service providers removing an expiry period on different data bundles bought by internet surfers.

The motion concerned with the serious practice by mobile service providers in the country, in which they impose an expiry date for any data bundle purchased by the subscribers for internet usage, and noting that the practice is bad business practice which is disadvantageous to the ordinary citizens and counterproductive to the government’s intentions of making internet accessible to everyone, this House resolves that the government through Ministry of Information and MACRA as a regulator should immediately engage service providers with a view of directing cessation of this bad practice by mobile providers,” reads part of the official Parliamentary order paper for today.

If this motion is adopted, Malawians will never cry about expiry of data bundles which accumulate in their phones and vanishes before they are used because they have reached the expiry date, a pure act of theft by service providers.

Service providers such as Airtel and TNM  will have to comply with the resolution which will be made or risk their licenses being revoked by the country’s regulator, MACRA.

On the political note, Democratic Progressive Party – DPP claims  the  Lazarus Chakwera led  Government  propaganda machinery has gone out spreading lies that Phiri and wife Bernadette have divorced and that she wants 50/50 share of their worth, hours before Phiri moved the motion in Parliament.

Commentators described the move by the Government machinery as aimed  at  breaking Dr. Ben Phiri’s spirit ahead of the important motion which will mark a new milestone in the information and communication technology sector of Malawi.

Politics

Nankhumwa implores supporters to vote for DPP as Atupele continues to Draw large crowds everywhere

Maravi Post Reporter
DPP Vice President (South), Kondwani Nankhumwa and Atupele Austin Muluzi now at Luchenza, Thyolo district.

Democratic progressive Party – DPP Vice President (South), Kondwani Nankhumwa has told people of Mulanje South Constituency that come July 2, they should make no mistake but vote for President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and Vice President from the UDF Atupele Muluzi.

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Nankhumwa said Mulanje has always rallied behind democracy as such the DPP/UDF alliance is set to continue with development projects in the country.

“Mulanje sisunga kape…Mulanje doesn’t keep backward thinking people. I should urge all of you as people who are development conscious people to vote for the DPP-UDF alliance. President Professor Mutharika and Atupele Muluzi are right candidates for the job,” said Nankhumwa.

Atupele Campaigning
Atupele Austin Muluzi now at Luchenza, Thyolo district

Speaking to thousands of people at Chitakale Trading Center in Mulanje Atupele Muluzi who continues to attract large crowds, asked the youth to vote for President Mutharika because he thinks of the youth.

“You will appreciate that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has made a choice for me as one of the youths in the country, this is evident enough that our president has confidence in the youth,” said Muluzi.

Malawi Electoral Commission announced that the official campaign period for July 2 Presidential poll runs from May 2 to June 30.