President Peter Mutharika has picked Member of Parliament for Ntcheu North East Everton Chimulirenji as his runningmate, overlooking four vice presidents in his party.
The Malawi leader has overlooked four vice presidents in the Democratic Progressive Party including Kondwani Nankhumwa and Goodall Gondwe.
Gondwe and Nankhumwa are also ministers of Local Government and Finance respectively.
Other vice presidents in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party are Uladi Mussa (Central Region) and Bright Msaka (Eastern Region).
Mutharika unveiled Chimulirenji, 56, as his runningmate when he presented his nominatiom papers to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Friday.
Speaking after announcing his pick, Mutharika described a man of integrity, maturity and a long serving member of the party.
After presenting his nomination papers, Mutharika said he want to lead from poverty to prosperity.
He however warned that the journey from poverty to prosperity depends on what Malawians will choose, between taking Malawi forward or taking Malawi back.
“But I have faith in the people of this country. When we found this country broken, bruised and economically wounded, we chose to fix and heal our economy,” he said.
Mutharika added that during his first term he restored the national pride and economic confidence.
“Now we are set to take Malawi to new heights. We have set the stage for making Malawi a prosperous nation.
“Now, we look forward to five more years of improving the economy, improving businesses, improving the quality of life for every Malawian,” he said.
Mutharika then urged politicians and the general public to engage in civilized politics during the campaign period.
Mutharika’s runningmate Chimulirenji is the Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development.
He is also DPP’s National Campaign Director, a position he was elected to at the party’s National Convention last year.
Chimulirenji He studied Business Management and worked at the then Ministry of Works.
