NDP presidential candidate submits nomination papers amid alliance uncertainty

President of the National Development Party –NDP, Frank Mwenefumbo, has submitted his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission –MEC.

He cites the move as necessary after observing that most opposition parties had already done the same.

Speaking to journalists on Monday after the submission, Mwenefumbo expressed disappointment that plans to form a grand opposition alliance had not materialized.

Last week, Mwenefumbo signed an agreement with the Democratic Progressive Party –DPP to support their presidential candidate in the upcoming elections.

He explained that the NDP took this step anticipating a possible re-run, hoping to remain relevant and open to joining an alliance later.

“This doesn’t mean the chances for an alliance are over,” he said.

Mwenefumbo also claimed that the agreement signed with the DPP was not fully transparent, alleging they were not allowed to read the document before signing.

Apart from the NDP leader, on the same Monday, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) also received nomination papers from Phunziro Mvula, who is contesting as an independent candidate.

However, the Commission rejected the papers from Kamuzu Chibambo of the People’s Transformation Party (PETRA), while David Mbewe of the Liberation for Economic Party did not show up at BICC, despite being scheduled to submit his nomination papers.