Front PageNational News

Parties racing against time on alliances

Hussein: Time is not waiting for anybody
Hussein: Time is not waiting for anybody

As the clock ticks towards May 2014 Tripartite Elections, analysts have warned political parties that they face a race against time in forming meaningful alliances that can win them elections.

The warning comes as no political party has indicated that it will go into an alliance in the polls.

Political analyst Mustafa Hussein said in an interview yesterday parties are doing themselves injustice by being silent on the matter. He observed that alliances need a lot of spadework just like the formation of a political party.

“[The political parties] are behind on alliances, no doubt about that. Time is not waiting for anybody because soon we will be voting in the tripartite elections,” said Hussein.

He noted that after forming the alliances, the parties will need to inform the electorate in good time about what they stand for.

“There will be pure marketing and there is no shortcut about that. Enough time is needed to market those alliances and even to get feedback from the public,” said Hussein.

Another political commentator Blessings Chinsinga said parties intending to form an alliance need time to understand each other.

“But you have seen where parties go into alliance of convenience in the last minute. Such alliances don’t last long and political leaders end up quarrelling,” he said.

Chinsinga said parties can win with a small margin if they go solo in the elections.

People’s Party (PP), however, said it has no plans to enter into an alliance with any party.

“Our focus currently is to go to the election alone and we have no doubt that we are going to carry the day. This is [probably] the reason why we are not concerned, worried and interested about the alliance talk,” said deputy publicity secretary Ken Msonda.

United Democratic Front (UDF) said it is strong enough to win the elections alone.

“During the 2012 convention, we elected honourable Atupele Muluzi as the party presidential candidate. Shortly, we will announce his running mate,” said publicity secretary Ken Ndanga.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Nicholas Dausi was noncommittal whether the party will enter into an alliance in the elections.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administrative secretary Portipher Chidaya said the party has not discussed the matter.

“If the party sees the need to discuss [entering into] an alliance, the president will call for the meeting,” said Chidaya.

The country has witnessed alliances during every election since the advent of multiparty democracy.

In 1994, the UDF, which won the elections, formed the Common Electoral Group (CEG) with some smaller parties.

In 1999, there was MCP/Aford Alliance whose presidential candidate was Gwanda Chakuanba, then MCP leader. The alliance lost to UDF.

In 2004, there was Mgwirizano Coalition among Republican Party, People’s Progressive Movement (PPM), Petra, MDP and MDU. It lost the elections also to UDF.

In 2009, there was MCP/UDF alliance whose presidential candidate was MCP president John Tembo after then UDF leader, Bakili Muluzi was barred from standing. It was also beaten by DPP.

Related Articles

3 Comments

  1. Mustafa Hussein is a poor analyst. He should spell out which parties need to to into alliances. He should not forget that DPP was a break away side from UDF if not the same UP changing to DPP after stealing presidency from UDF. PP is a break-way from PP and defectors from MCP. How does he expect these parties to form alliances? They are bitter enemies. If DPP and UDF form an alliance who will be the leader. If Atupele is a leader, then he will seek revenge against DPP. If Peter is the leader and wins, he will treat Atupele just like Chilumpha and Joyce Banda. Joyce Banda being the sitting president cannot accept to a runningmate to any of the big party. PP is a small party and only the presidency through death saves it. Defectors were after cash-gate. Mr. Hussein you are not a good analyst and yours are wishes which cannot be achieved.

  2. Why should Mr Hussein force party alliances? No alliance has ever won elections in Malawi. Mr Hussein, being a PP sympathizer, wants a party to go into an alliance with the PP, of which, he is pretty sure will nose dive if it goes alone. But who will be fool hardy to go into an alliance with a cash gate grouping? I pity you Mr Hussein, your PP is too stinky.

  3. MCP alone can not win but a Government with MCP and DPP seed in it can make what Malawians want. UDF failed, PP can not show us any tangible achievement (kuberekana kwa bwini, or kugawa chimanga, kapena kubetsa nyanja). DPP we saw everything that MCP left coming back-chitukuko ponse ponse, chakudya, chitetezo, maphunziro (evidenced by University in Thyolo.

    If MCP and DPP go alone then they will inflict further pain on Malawians. MCP or DPP, if in alliance with any party other PP will win. Even in alliance with a non entity Aford or Nyondo’s they will win. But saying we are a big party, we are big party, MCP and DPP should know that they are the answer for Malawian.
    Chakwera and Muntharika please we are not interested in you sharing positions-no, but in what Malawi can became if you work together. Ife ndife chipani chachikulu zinapangitsa MCP kukhala otsutsa kwa zaka 20.

Back to top button