The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has stated that its Electoral alliance with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) does not bar the two parties from featuring candidates in each other’s strongholds during by elections.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, UDF Secretary General Kandi re-titillated Padambo that the alliance his party had with the DPP was mainly during the 2020 fresh presidential elections.
He was reacting to concerns raised by some commentators questioning the DPP’s decision to field a candidate in Chikwawa East Constituency whose sitting MP has been a UDF candidate, saying the DPP would have considered supporting former Parliamentarian for the area, Rodrick Khumbanyiwa whose victory was nullified by the courts.
However, Padambo said the two parties are back at the drawing board where they are trying to revive their grassroot structures adding that it is a must therefore for the two parties to be participating in parliamentary and ward council elections .
Padambo added that such being case it would be inevitable for the parties to compete against each other on the ground.
He however said in some instances the two parties may agree to feature one candidate to maximize the chances of one candidate among the two parties to win but he said that is upon mutual understanding between the two parties and it is never mandatory.
“Just like we have been saying, our alliance with the DPP was mainly during the 2020 fresh presidential elections. After that period each party is now strengthening its grassroot structures. Even the leaders for the two parties have also been emphasizing this.
“It is therefore necessary for each party to be testing their strength on the ground by participating in by- elections. It can be almost inevitable for the two parties to compete against each other on the ground, “said Padambo.
His remarks comes when there is stiff competition between the UDF candidate for Chikwawa East Rodrick Khumbanyiwa and his DPP counterpart Ginnford Maulidi who is fighting to return his post which was nullified by the court.
Ironically, the UDF candidate in Nsanje Central, Laston Saidi Katole has withdrawn from the parliamentary race in order to support the DPP candidate for the area Francis Kasaira to return his post which was also nullified by the court.
DPP spokesperson Brown Mpinganjira said he needed some time to comment on the matter but could not pick phone calls latter on despite several attempts.
MEC shall hold by -elections in Chikwawa East, Nsanje Central and Nsanje North Constituencies on the 30th March after the courts nulified the 2019 parliamentary results for these areas due to widespread irregularities.
In Zomba Changalume,Ntchisi North,Lilongwe Msinja South, Karonga North West Constituencies and Liviridzi ward in Balaka and Chitakale ward in Mulanje the by elections shall be held following death of their representatives.
