Blantyre – The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Malawi’s main opposition, is being warned it might need to prepare for a shocking result in the upcoming September elections — a humiliating third place finish.
The warning comes from none other than political analyst Lyson Sibande, who has taken a fresh jab at the DPP’s obsession with power and its tone-deaf strategy.
According to Sibande, the DPP seems eager to go solo in a so-called “alliance”, where the presidential candidate (Peter Mutharika) and the running mate are both from the DPP, leaving any potential alliance partners with crumbs — the Second Vice President position. “They want to marry but eat alone,” one observer scoffed.
Unsurprisingly, UTM and AFORD — the parties DPP wishes to ‘partner’ with — are reportedly not amused by this proposal. And who would be? It’s like being invited to a feast and told to sit in the kitchen.
“If this is how DPP negotiates alliances, then let me tell you: they may easily fall to number 3, especially if UTM joins hands with a few other small parties,” Sibande said. “And judging by the noise from DPP’s own NEC members, I can confidently say things aren’t looking good for them.”
Sibande, whose past predictions have turned out accurate, says he is ready to revise his forecasts depending on whether DPP wakes up or continues down the path of political self-harm.
He has previously said MCP is likely to win with 52 to 53 percent, noting that the ruling party is far more organised than the aging and increasingly confused DPP, whose candidate — former president Peter Mutharika — has been raising eyebrows with his health and energy levels.
“Mutharika looked visibly weak and tired when he came back from South Africa,” another observer said. “Most people believe he wasn’t on a holiday — he was in hospital.”
With a disorganised party, a worrying presidential candidate, and tone-deaf alliance politics, the DPP might just find itself watching the 2025 campaign from the sidelines — possibly holding a third-place medal, if it’s lucky.
