Victor Musowa, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament for Mulanje Bale, has expressed optimism that his party will eventually strike an alliance with the United Transformation Movement (UTM), despite ongoing disagreements and the recent announcement of Jane Ansah as a running mate.
For months, DPP and UTM have been locked in difficult negotiations over a potential electoral alliance ahead of the next general elections. Talks have repeatedly stalled, with both parties struggling to agree on key terms.
Their most recent round of discussions stretched from yesterday into the early hours of this morning—again ending without a definitive agreement.
A key sticking point in the negotiations has been UTM’s proposal that former Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor, Dalitso Kabambe, be named the alliance’s joint presidential candidate.
This suggestion was met with strong opposition from senior DPP officials, who reportedly dismissed the idea as politically untenable.
Despite the impasse, Musowa remains confident that the two sides can reach common ground.
Responding to party leader Peter Mutharika’s announcement of Jane Ansah as his running mate, Musowa said the dialogue between DPP and UTM was far from over. “Anything can happen. We are still talking anare d hopeful that we will agree. This isn’t about individuals, it’s about joining forces to remove the MCP from power,” he stated.
The selection of Jane Ansah, a former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson and native of Ntcheu, has sparked speculation about the DPP’s strategic intentions.
Musowa acknowledged that Ansah’s appointment may serve as a symbolic gesture toward UTM supporters, particularly in the wake of Vice President Saulos Chilima’s tragic death in a plane crash earlier this year.
“We love UTM. After all, many of them came from the DPP. We are one family,” Musowa said. “Chilima chose to partner with MCP, and that’s where he met his death.
Many people still question the circumstances of that crash. By choosing Jane Ansah, also from Ntcheu, we are offering a form of consolation to the people.”
While political alliances in Malawi have proven fluid and unpredictable in recent years, Musowa’s remarks reflect a continued desire among some DPP officials to reunite with their former allies.
Whether the two parties can reconcile their differences in time for the next polls remains to be seen, but the door, it seems, is still open.
