The deep-seated resentment towards the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Malawi’s northern region is largely attributed to its controversial quota system. The people of the North strongly oppose the quota system and remain unwilling to support a party that upholds such divisive policies—policies that have long been synonymous with the DPP.
As the DPP prepares for its upcoming convention, it has once again implemented a quota system for positions, dictating that aspirants for roles like youth director must hail from specific regions. This move has reignited fears of the DPP’s regionalistic and tribalistic tendencies, as many in the North and progressive Malawians believe positions should be awarded based on talent, merit, and aspirations rather than regional origin.
“We in the North continue to despise the DPP for their quota system policies, which have alienated us. As a result, we have no choice but to back President Lazarus Chakwera’s MCP rather than Peter Mutharika’s quota-driven party, whose policies seem designed to marginalize the North,” said Vitumbiko Phiri on the streets of Mzuzu city.
