Tag Archives: People’s Development Party (PDP)

Politics

Kondwani Nankhumwa vies for Bertha Ndebele as runningmate for September 16 polls

Burnett Munthali

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Peoples Development Party (PDP) Kondwani Nankhumwa has picked Bertha Ndebele as his presidential running mate for September 16 polls.

Ndebele becomes the third female running mate, following Adil Chilungo and Arthur Peter Muthalika, who also chose female allies.

Notably, statistics show that 57% of registered voters in Malawi’s Electoral Commission voters roll are women.

Nankhumwa arrived at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe to present his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

His arrival marks a significant step in the ongoing preparations for the September 2025 general elections.

Nankhumwa was accompanied by a team of party officials and enthusiastic supporters who gathered to show their backing for his presidential bid.

The presentation of nomination papers is a crucial requirement for all presidential candidates seeking to participate in Malawi’s democratic process.

Nankhumwa’s decision to contest for the highest office in the land adds to the growing list of contenders eager to lead Malawi into its next chapter.

This formal submission signals the official start of his campaign to win the hearts and votes of Malawians across the country.

Supporters at the BICC expressed optimism about Nankhumwa’s vision and leadership capabilities, which they believe can address the country’s pressing challenges.

The nomination papers were submitted in accordance with the legal requirements set out by MEC for all aspiring presidential candidates.

MEC officials will now undertake a preliminary inspection of the documents to confirm Nankhumwa’s eligibility to run in the 2025 elections.

Nankhumwa’s participation is expected to intensify the political competition as parties and candidates mobilize their campaigns.

As the election date approaches, all eyes remain on the BICC, where nomination submissions continue to unfold.

Politics

PDP Leader Kondwani Nankhumwa raises concerns over Malawi’s voter registration crisis

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

As Malawi prepares for the 2025 general elections, the voter registration process has come under scrutiny, with the People’s Development Party (PDP) raising alarms over systemic challenges that could disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters. In an exclusive interview, PDP President Honorable Kondwani Nankhumwa detailed these concerns and called for urgent reforms to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

Kondwani Nankhumwa’s lackluster party launch: A missed opportunity for PDP

Voter registration challenges

Nankhumwa identified the absence of National Registration Bureau (NRB) personnel at voter registration centers as a critical issue. According to Malawi’s electoral laws, only individuals with a National ID are eligible to register as voters. However, many citizens face challenges obtaining these IDs due to delays or losses.

The High Court recently ruled that all eligible citizens must be allowed to register, regardless of their National ID status. Justice Mandala Mambulasa emphasized the state’s constitutional obligation to facilitate voter registration. Despite this ruling, Nankhumwa reported that many NRB officials are absent from registration centers, and individuals without IDs are still being turned away. He criticized this as contempt of court and demanded repercussions for NRB’s noncompliance.

MEC’s role in the electoral process

While Nankhumwa refrained from directly criticizing the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), he urged the electoral body to demonstrate decisive leadership. “The electoral process is about protecting the sanctity of our democracy and ensuring every Malawian can exercise their constitutional right to vote,” he said, calling for transparency and efficiency in addressing these challenges.

Impact of bureaucratic inefficiencies

Nankhumwa highlighted systemic inefficiencies, including defective registration machines and inadequate public outreach, which have created barriers for potential voters. In districts such as Lilongwe and Blantyre, long queues and machine malfunctions have left many frustrated and unable to register. In Machinga and Mulanje, machines failed repeatedly over several days, further disenfranchising citizens.

Call for electoral integrity platform (EIP)

To address these challenges, Nankhumwa proposed establishing an Electoral Integrity Platform (EIP). This initiative would involve key stakeholders, including MEC, NRB, political parties, and civil society organizations, to foster dialogue, build trust, and implement solutions to enhance electoral transparency and inclusivity.

Irregularities in the registration process

The PDP has also raised concerns about voter suppression, duplicate registrations, and the alleged registration of underage individuals. Nankhumwa called for an independent audit of the voter registration process to address these issues and restore public confidence. “MEC must adopt stronger verification processes to ensure only eligible voters are registered,” he stated, emphasizing the need for transparent procedures and public education campaigns.

Perceptions of bias at MEC leadership

The PDP leader also addressed public calls for the resignation of MEC Chairperson Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, citing concerns over perceptions of bias. While Nankhumwa stopped short of endorsing these claims, he stressed the importance of public trust in electoral institutions. “If the Chairperson’s leadership is questioned, it risks delegitimizing MEC’s authority,” he said, suggesting that Justice Mtalimanja consider stepping down to protect her integrity and pave the way for new leadership.

Impact on Malawi’s political landscape

Nankhumwa warned that voter registration challenges could disproportionately affect political parties with strongholds in regions facing systemic barriers. “The current state of voter registration could have profound implications for the 2025 elections, potentially disenfranchising thousands and undermining the credibility of the results,” he said.

A call for collective action

In his concluding remarks, Nankhumwa called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively to resolve these challenges. “Let us ensure every eligible voter has a fair chance to register and participate in this vital democratic exercise,” he urged.

As Malawi approaches the 2025 elections, addressing these voter registration concerns is critical to safeguarding the country’s democratic foundations. The PDP’s call for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity underscores the urgent need for reforms to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Read full Interview here

Opinion, Politics

Kondwani Nankhumwa’s lackluster party launch: A missed opportunity for PDP

Maravi Post Author

By Triumph Mankhaule

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Kondwani Nankhumwa, the interim president of the newly formed People’s Development Party (PDP), on Sunday failed to impress a mammoth crowd gathered at Masintha Ground in Lilongwe during the launch of his party.

Despite the opportunity to articulate a unique vision for Malawians, Nankhumwa struggled to differentiate PDP from other political parties, ultimately falling short in convincing the audience of his party’s potential.

During his speech, Nankhumwa failed to present a clear and distinctive manifesto for PDP.

He merely echoed promises made by his former party, lacking originality and failing to offer new solutions to the challenges facing Malawians.

His call to revamp ADMARC and eradicate hunger were met with indifference from the crowd, who were expecting a fresh and innovative approach from a new political party.

Furthermore, Nankhumwa’s efforts to showcase inclusivity within PDP fell flat.

While he claimed that all positions within the party would be up for grabs during the upcoming convention, his previous declaration that he would run for president regardless of the outcome undermined this sentiment.

This contradiction raised doubts about Nankhumwa’s sincerity and commitment to true democracy within PDP.

The lack of enthusiasm and support for Nankhumwa was evident throughout the event, with the audience failing to respond with the usual applause and excitement expected from a new political leader.

The use of “abiti Gambato” lorries to ferry people from Mulanje to Lilongwe also raised concerns, with some attendees expressing disappointment in Nankhumwa’s apparent focus on boosting numbers rather than engaging with genuine supporters.

While Nankhumwa may have once held prominent positions within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), his transition to PDP has been met with skepticism and criticism.

His dismissal from the DPP for gross misconduct, failure to return DPP-owned vehicles, and lack of support from key figures within his political circle have raised questions about his leadership and credibility.

In light of these challenges, it is clear that Nankhumwa faces an uphill battle in establishing PDP as a viable political alternative in Malawi.

Without a clear and distinct vision, genuine inclusivity, and strong support from both the public and political allies, Nankhumwa’s political future in PDP remains uncertain.

Kondwani Nankhumwa’s lackluster launch of the People’s Development Party (PDP) may have been a missed opportunity, but it also highlighted some key challenges facing him as he seeks to establish his new political party on the Malawian landscape.

One such challenge is the perception that Nankhumwa’s move from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to PDP was fueled by personal ambition rather than a genuine commitment to serving the people of Malawi.

Some critics have argued that Nankhumwa’s dismissal from the DPP was a result of his own actions rather than a principled stand against the party leadership.

His failure to return DPP-owned vehicles and allegations of gross misconduct have raised doubts about his integrity and suitability to lead a new political party.

In this context, Nankhumwa’s attempts to position himself as a champion of democracy in PDP ring hollow to those who question his motives.

Moreover, Nankhumwa’s lackluster launch may have been exacerbated by his failure to unite key political allies behind him.

While he has attracted some supporters to PDP, the absence of prominent figures from his political circle at the launch event was noticeable.

This lack of visible support from within the political establishment cast doubt on Nankhumwa’s ability to build a strong and cohesive movement around PDP.

In addition to these internal challenges, Nankhumwa faces external pressures that could hinder the growth of PDP.

The political landscape in Malawi is crowded with established parties that have deep roots in communities across the country.

For Nankhumwa to make a significant impact with PDP, he will need to navigate this competitive environment and find ways to differentiate his party from the others.

One potential strategy for Nankhumwa to distinguish PDP could be to focus on grassroots mobilization and community engagement.

By building strong connections with ordinary Malawians and addressing their concerns directly, Nankhumwa could demonstrate the relevance and authenticity of PDP as a political force in the country.

This approach would not only help PDP stand out from other parties but also build a solid foundation for its long-term success.

Another key issue that Nankhumwa will need to address is the public perception of his leadership style.

Some critics have accused him of being autocratic and lacking in transparency, characteristics that have raised concerns about his suitability to lead a democratic party like PDP.

To counter these criticisms, Nankhumwa will need to demonstrate a commitment to open and inclusive governance within PDP, ensuring that all members have a voice in shaping the party’s direction.

Further complicating Nankhumwa’s political aspirations is the looming specter of the 2024 presidential elections in Malawi.

With only a few years to build PDP into a credible contender, Nankhumwa faces intense pressure to deliver tangible results and gain public trust quickly.

Failure to do so could result in PDP being sidelined or overshadowed by larger parties with more resources and support.

Despite these challenges, Nankhumwa’s lackluster launch of PDP should not be viewed as the final verdict on his political future.

With determination, strategic planning, and a commitment to serving the people of Malawi, Nankhumwa has the potential to overcome the obstacles in his path and establish PDP as a significant player in the country’s political landscape.

Whether he can rise to the occasion and fulfill this potential remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the road ahead for Nankhumwa and PDP will be a challenging one that requires skill, perseverance, and a clear vision for a better Malawi.

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

Politics

Kondwani Nankhumwa resigns as Opposition Leader: Launches new party

Burnett Munthali

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-People’s Development Party (PDP) interim president Kondwani Nankhumwa has announced that he has relinquished his position as Leader of Opposition in parliament.

He says he has made the decision due to his association with the new party.

Nankhumwa has also said that he has instructed his lawyers to withdraw all court cases on the matter.

Speaking in Chichewa, Nankhumwa boasted: “Ine sindimachotsedwa pa mpando koma ndimasiya ndekha.”

Controversial Leader of Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa says his decision follows the formation of his party, the People’s Development Party (PDP).

Nankhumwa says he has instructed his lawyers to withdraw all the court cases concerning the Leader of Opposition.

In January 2024, DPP fired Nankhumwa and other key officials including former secretary general Grezelder Jeffrey, legislators Mark Botomani and Nicholas Dausi and former director of women Cecilia Chazama over what the party called indiscipline. It also suspended several others for varied periods of time.

Embattled Mulanje Central parliamentarian Kondwani Nankhumwa took opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to the High Court of Malawi over his expulsion from the party.

He was seeking an order to set aside his expulsion and the matter went before Judge Yakuwawa Msiska in Lilongwe on February 12 2024 for the hearing of the application which had already been filed with his sworn statement.

Nankhumwa, who was booted out of DPP alongside 10 others for calling, leading and attending the December 6 2023 nullified national governing council (NGC) meeting in Lilongwe, argued that the party’s central committee, which made the decision, flouted the party’s constitution.