DPP Officials Refute Reports of Endorsement of Mutharika for 2025 Elections

LILONGWE, MALAWI - Officials from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the northern region of Malawi have refuted reports that they have endorsed former party leader Arthur Peter Mutharika as the presidential candidate for the 2025 general elections, writes Falesi Chizombe.

In a press briefing held Wednesday, a number of party members, led by the Vice President for the northern region, Goodall Gondwe, communicated on the issue, claiming that the party members had been consulted and made the endorsement.

However, earlier Thursday, the party's director of research, Ken Msonda, told the media that whatever was said during the press briefing was a lie, indicating that the party was not consulted.

Making his sentiments known during a separate press briefing, Msonda anticipated that the DPP members in the northern region were not consulted in whatever was said by a number of people who held the press briefing Wednesday, claiming that the northern region DPP party had endorsed Arthur Peter Mutharika as the right presidential candidate in the 2025 tripartite election.

Msonda clarified that the party is okay with Mutharika standing for the presidential elections, as it is his right to do so and compete with other candidates interested in the seat, as the party is democratic and opens doors for everyone to take part in the presidential elections.

Commenting on the same issue, Chitipa South Constituency Member of Parliament, Werani Chilenga, stated that as a party, there is a need for unity within, hence the party having the same voice.

Chilenga expressed his disappointment in some members of the party taking matters into their own hands without consulting the board.

"As a party, we need to uphold the principles of democracy and inclusivity," Chilenga said.

The northern region's DPP Vice President, Goodall Gondwe, Jappie Mhango, and others held a press briefing yesterday where they endorsed Arthur Mutharika, claiming that he is the only leader who can lead the country to the betterment of every citizen.

They cited that the country is in an economic crisis and that the current state president, Lazarus Chakwera, has failed the people of Malawi.

The DPP, which is the main opposition party in Malawi, has been facing internal disagreements and power struggles since losing the 2020 elections.

The endorsement of Mutharika for the 2025 elections has caused further divisions within the party, with some members refuting the endorsement and calling for unity and adherence to democratic principles.

The situation is expected to evolve as the party navigates its internal dynamics leading up to the 2025 general elections.