The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the United Transformation Movement (UTM) have agreed to work together in monitoring the election process ahead of the 16 September tripartite elections.
UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala has confirmed that the two opposition parties held discussions in Lilongwe today.
He said they have agreed to move together as parties that share a common cause.
“Yes, our team has been holding discussions with DPP, but it’s not about an alliance, rather an agreement to work together in monitoring elections,” said Njawala.
According to Njawala, the agreement is not aimed at forming a political coalition.
Instead, it focuses solely on ensuring that the election process is transparent and accountable.
Njawala explained that it is in the interest of both parties — UTM and DPP — to see that the forthcoming general elections are free, fair, and credible.
The collaboration is expected to involve joint deployment of election monitors, sharing of information, and coordination in reporting irregularities.
Both parties believe that such cooperation will help safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Observers note that while the arrangement is not a formal alliance, it could pave the way for greater collaboration between the two parties in the future.
Concluding Analysis
The decision by DPP and UTM to work together in monitoring the elections underscores the growing concern among opposition parties about electoral transparency in Malawi.
By joining forces on this specific issue, both parties are signalling that the credibility of the 16 September elections is a priority that transcends party rivalry.
Although this is not an alliance in the traditional sense, it demonstrates how political actors can unite on issues of national importance while maintaining their separate political identities.
If successful, this cooperative effort could not only strengthen the integrity of the election but also set a precedent for future multi-party collaboration on governance and democracy issues.
