APM, Chakwera, Kabambe: Is it worthwhile if the vice president of the party cannot be a running mate?

With the upcoming election on September 16th, it has become evident that none of the three main political parties has chosen a vice president as their running mate.

It should be recognized that the vice presidents are selected and backed by the delegates of a political party during a convention’s election.

For starters, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  torchbearer , Peter Mutharika (APM) snubbed his vice party presidents such as Alfred Gangata, Jappie Mhango, Bright Msaka and Joseph mwanamveka in preference to another party member, Jane Ansah for the position of a running mate.

Furthermore, it is a widely recognized fact that President Chakwera, from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), appointed Vitumbiko Mumba as his running mate instead of the party’s vice president, Catherine Gotani Hara.

In the same  pursuit  of events, Dalitso Kabambe chose Matthews Mtumbuka to the position of running mate snubbing Alexander Bulirani who still holds the position of the deputy president of the  party.

With this background, would it be beneficial to dedicate all available resources towards becoming the vice president of the party?

Isn’t it demoralizing when a running mate from elsewhere is picked under the watch of the dedicated party’s vice president?

Paradoxically, the Malawi Constitution designates the vice president as a potential successor to the president. Why don’t other political parties adopt this practice and make vice presidents automatic running mates?

However, it is important to stress that party leaders have the right to select their vice presidential candidate based on various criteria.

In conclusion, unfortunately snubbing the vice president of the party for the position of running mate smacks of frustration and demoralisation.

**The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author, Rick Dzida, [email protected], and do not necessarily reflect those of Malawi24 or its editorial team