President Peter Mutharika’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Malawi has struck an alliance with the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by Atupele Muluzi, as the country prepares for a hotly contested election which is now set to hold in July. The unveiled just one. But upon adoption, the government directed the institution to produce more for public uses in the state.
As a symbol of their pact, President Mutharika and Mr Muluzi exchanged party regalia in the presence of their supporters during a rally. “Both DPP and UDF share a common belief that peace, stability and unity are a prerequisite for Malawi’s development. We do not believe in violence,” reads part of their joint communiqué.
How Malawi Presidential Elections Work
The president and the vice-president are elected through a ballot for a five-year term by the eligible voters in Malawi, with no provision for a runoff. The candidate with the highest votes wins. In the event of a tie, there is a provision to hold a second round of voting. Foreign nationals who have lived in Malawi for 7 years can also vote.
Peter Mutharika, who has had a long political career so far, will be running for his second term in office. Before becoming the President of Malawi, he held public positions including Minister of Justice, Minister for Education, Science, and Technology and also served as the also served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to Aljazeera, Mutharika has received praise for improving infrastructure and lowering inflation in the country but has recently faced accusations of corruption and of favouring rural regions where his support is strongest.
Atupele Muluzi also has a long political history, he was a former member of parliament and has served as the Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. He is now the current Minister of Health, the only opposition member to serve in Mutharika’s administration. This pact could mean that Mr Muluzi will be president Mutharika’s running mate during the polls.
