United Democratic Front (UDF) is not decided on whether it will attempt the 2019 general elections by itself or in partnership with the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), its political bedfellow.
The party has also indicated that despite moving from opposition to government benches in the 193-member National Assembly, a step seen as solidification of their alliance, it would continue pursuing its Agenda for Change.
Responding to a question on how UDF plans to contest the next general elections in the circumstances, the party’s secretary general Kandi Padambo, in an interview on Tuesday, was noncommittal.
He said: “About the question of 2019 elections… What is important now is to understand what is being done. The two parties’ [UDF and DPP] agreement is to have a working relationship in Parliament. So, let me advise that those decisions will be made when time comes.”
Padambo said people should not mix up the alliance with DPP and subsequent shifting to government side to imply that UDF has dissolved as it remains an independent political entity with its own ideals.
Padambo said nothing will change the party’s values, including its stand on Agenda for Change.
UDF and DPP have been in an undefined working relationship since the May 20 2014 Tripartite Elections, a development that saw President Peter Mutharika including UDF president Atupele Muluzi in his 20-member Cabinet.
This week, 11 of UDF’s 14 members of Parliament (MPs) moved to government benches. Muluzi and Second Deputy Speaker Clement Chiwaya, by virtue of their positions, were not affected by the change.
On the other hand, Balaka North MP Lucius Banda, who prior to the change was leader of UDF in Parliament, has stayed put on the opposition benches.
