The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is currently training shadow members of parliament and ward councillors drawn from the central region in readiness for the September 16 General Elections.
The initiative comes just a day after the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officially opened the campaign period, signalling the beginning of months of intense political activities leading up to the polls.
Presiding over the function at the Edge Water Court in Lilongwe, DPP vice president for the Central Region, Alfred Gangata, urged the candidates to run disciplined, well-organised, and issues-based campaigns. In his address, Gangata stressed on the importance of unity and strategic outreach.
“The people of Central Region are ready for change, but that change will only come if we, as a party, show them that we are prepared, united and focused on their real needs,” Gangata said.
Some of the top DPP brass spearheading the training include the party’s director of campaign, Chifundo Makande, director of elections, Jean Mathanga, director of political affairs, Ben Phiri, organising secretary, Sameer Suleiman, among others.
According to Jean Mathanga, the training is part of a series of regional programs that the party will roll out in the coming weeks.
“We are not leaving anything to chance. Every candidate needs to know how to campaign, how to listen to the people and present realistic and practical solutions,” she said.
Over 90 shadow members of parliament and local government councillors from across the region are attending the training.
