Malawi’s main opposition party the Democratic Progress Party endorsed former President Peter Mutharika as its candidate in next year’s presidential election.
The DPP held its elective convention at Comesa Hall in Blantyre from August 18 to 19 where among others the top 9 leaders of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) were elected.
DPP heavyweights who lost their positions at the convention include outgoing Secretary-General Clement Mwale, convention chairperson George Chaponda, Director of Legal Affairs Charles Mhango, and National Organising Secretary Chimwemwe Chipungu.
At the DPP convention, 19 positions were uncontested, including those of former President Mutharika, vice president for the Northern Region Jappie Mhango, and publicity secretary Shadrick Namalomba.
Mutharika, 84, lost the presidency in a re-run election where the then main opposition leader Chakwera was supported by a coalition of Malawian opposition parties known as the Tonse Alliance.
In his acceptance speech, Mutharika announced that the DPP will seek to collaborate with the United Transformation Movement (UTM), the party previously led by late Vice President Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash earlier this year.
DPP delegates approved a constitutional amendment eliminating regional vice presidents, with only one vice president to be elected starting in 2029.
Top 9 members of the CEC of the DPP
| Name | Position |
| Arthur Peter Mutharika | President |
| Jappie Mhango | VP – North |
| Alfred Gangata | VP – Central |
| Bright Msaka | VP – East |
| Joseph Mwanamwekha | VP – South |
| Edgar Tembo | Treasurer General |
| Peter Mukhito | Secretary General |
| Mary Thom Navicha | Director of Women |
| Norman Chisale | Director of Youth |
