With only days to go before Malawians cast their votes next Tuesday, the People’s Development Party (PDP) in Mulanje South West has suffered a major blow after its entire constituency committee, together with 90 other members, defected to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Announcing their decision at a rally at Chindola Primary School on Monday, the defectors accused the PDP of lacking strong leadership and direction. They said their move was motivated by the desire to support former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, whom they described as the candidate best placed to steer Malawi back on track.
“We have realized that PDP has no leadership and no clear vision for the country. We cannot continue wasting our energy on a party without direction. DPP under Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has the experience and the proven leadership that Malawi needs,” said Mariam M’bwana, one of the committee members during the announcement.
The mass defection was officially welcomed by Dr. George Chaponda, DPP’s Shadow MP for Mulanje South West. Dr. Chaponda assured the new members that they had made the right decision, emphasizing that the DPP has the capacity to transform the country’s economy and restore stability.
“Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has already demonstrated that he can deliver. Under DPP, we saw economic growth, affordable commodities, and real development. That is why we are confident that, with your support, DPP will once again transform this country,” Dr. Chaponda told the cheering crowd.
The members vowed to work tirelessly to ensure that Professor Mutharika secures victory in next week’s polls.
The defection is being seen as a major boost for the DPP’s campaign machinery in Mulanje South West, a district already regarded as one of the party’s traditional strongholds.
The development highlights the shifting political terrain in the run-up to Tuesday’s election, with defections continuing to shape the outlook of the campaign.
