UDF, DPP electoral alliance likely—analysts
Political analysts have said they can foresee the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) forming an electoral alliance following a successful strategy the two parties used in the just-ended by-elections.
In the April 10 by-elections, the governing DPP did not feature a candidate in Malindi Ward in Mangochi North East Constituency to give chance to UDF while the UDF did not contest the Milonde Ward by-election in Mulanje South East Constituency. DPP’s Mike Skinner won Milonde Ward while UDF’s Kassim Limamu claimed Malindi Ward.
Reacting to the results on Tuesday, political commentator Mustapha Hussein said while the strategy cannot be taken as proof of an electoral alliance, it might increase speculations that the DPP and UDF have entered into an informal electoral alliance.
He said: “Officially, the two parties have always denied being in any formal alliance and they have always insisted that they just have a working relationship in Parliament. But the absence of a DPP candidate in Mangochi and a UDF candidate in Mulanje will fuel speculation that their relationship has evolved into an electoral alliance.”
On his part, political analyst Ernest Thindwa said the UDF and DPP are likely to have developed an electoral relationship outside the working relationship they have inside Parliament.
He said the move is strategic and mutually beneficial because the leaders in UDF and DPP enjoy a good relationship.
“The relationship is strategic and will benefit both parties. I don’t think a DPP candidate would win in Mangochi, an area typically considered to be UDF’s stronghold. Likewise, the UDF wouldn’t win in Mulanje so the arrangement benefits both sides considering the good relationship between the two party leaders,” Thindwa said.
UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga, however, disputed assertions that the two parties were working together in the by-election.
Efforts to speak to both DPP secretary general Greselder Jeffrey and spokesperson Francis Kasaila proved futile but speaking in an interview after the official announcement of the results by Malawi Electoral Commissioner (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah on Wednesday, DPP regional governor for the South Charles Mchacha said UDF and DPP are in a good working relationship and their alliance is yielding results as evidenced by the results of the recent by-election. n
