University of Malawi’s Chancellor College political analyst, Blessings
Chinsinga, said Muluzi’s disqualification could spur the UDF into an
alliance with parties like the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), thereby
reducing president Bingu wa Mutharika’s chances of making it through
May 19.
He said though the UDF had other capable people to lead it on
presidential level, there would be no ample time to groom them in
readiness for the polls, thus increasing UDFs chances of opting for a
viable alliance, in the process defragmenting DPPs chances of winning
the presidential slot.
"This power vacuum could force the UDF into an alliance, and in that case, the DPP cannot make it," said Chinsinga.
Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation executive director, Undule
Mwakasungura, was of the same verdict, saying an alliance between
opposition leader in Parliament, John Tembo’s MCP could be like an
exponential curve of votes for the opposition- doubling and then
doubling again, their chances to New State House.
"A united opposition could give Mutharika and the DPP a tough time in
the May 19, 2009 elections. It remains to be seen, though, whether the
two parties can work together," said Mwakasungura.
He said unity was the only viable way to oust Mutharika, who has braved
a hostile political environment to sail through the waters.
Muluzi, Malawi’s president between 1994 and 2004 is keen to come back as president.
He successfully presented his nomination form to Malawi Electoral Commission officials on February Next week all candidates' verdict- whether they will stand or not-
will be known, as UDF diehards wait with abated breath and expectation.
Saturday Nation
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