The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has reaffirmed its position on the allocation of leadership roles in political alliances ahead of the 2025 general elections, emphasizing that both the presidential and running mate slots will be filled by members of the DPP.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, DPP spokesperson Shadreck Namalomba addressed what he described as “misconceptions” surrounding the roles of alliance partners, particularly concerning the running mate and vice-presidential positions.
Namalomba highlighted that the framers of Malawi’s Constitution deliberately made provisions to accommodate political alliances and multi-party representation in the executive branch. Notably, he pointed out that the position of second vice president was specifically designed for a partner from an allied party.
“It is puzzling why a leader of a different political party would insist on being the first vice president in an alliance,” Namalomba wrote. “Will they have to dissolve their party? It is only natural for alliance partners to want to maintain their own identities and party brands. The second vice president position is already available for them.”
He warned that it would be constitutionally problematic for a smaller or junior coalition partner to ascend to power through the running mate role without securing a direct electoral mandate from Malawians.
Namalomba firmly reiterated the DPP’s stance, saying, “I strongly stand by our party’s stance that both the President and running mate positions will be filled by members of the DPP.”
He concluded by calling for alliances to be evaluated from a party perspective rather than based on individual ambitions, signalling a strategic shift by the DPP to solidify its internal leadership structure as it navigates potential coalition politics.
As the 2025 elections draw nearer, the role of alliances is expected to feature prominently in Malawi’s political landscape, with major parties already in discussions on possible partnerships. However, the DPP’s declaration signals its intent to maintain firm control over top leadership posts within any alliance framework.
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