Chimwemwe Tsitsi says pride in the DPP leadership is the cause for the squabbles which the Tonse Alliance is capitalizing to remain in power; with the Tonse Alliance itself embroiled in squabbles as a result of failure to disclose contents of the alliance agreement, which he says is a uniting factor.

Tsitsi further says it is evident from the squabbles and uncertainties in the political parties, that they are yet to embrace democracy.

“It is evident that both Peter Mutharika and Kondwani Nankhumwa are not ready to back down, something that will make it difficult for the DPP to dislodge the Tonse Alliance. This is the reason Malawi is not moving forward with regards to democracy, because party leaders think that electorates follow personalities, and not ideologies,” he says.

He adds, “The squabbles may end into factions and mergers from the two formations. The best way forward is by respecting the party structures and the constitution, otherwise it is too early to be talking about leadership for 2025. It is even mind boggling that politicians think that Malawians follow personalities and not party ideologies.”

Commenting, Makhumbo Munthali says it will not be surprising that factions from either the DPP or the Tonse Alliance will merge, adding the only way out is to respect party constitution and give room to intra-party democracy, as well as transparency in mergers.

He says he does not see any way out of the mess, adding it is unfortunate the country still has political parties that claim to be democratic, yet they are not.

“The wrangle in the DPP is self-created because you have a president of the party who does not respect democratic processes. He continues to cling to power instead of letting intra-party reign,” he said.

Munthali further says the Tonse Alliance is benefiting from the DPP infighting and weak opposition, adding the Alliance cannot assist in resolving the wrangles, because that will give them an easy and free ride.

The DPP is embroiled in a leadership crisis, with factions of some top leaders emerging, while the Tonse Alliance is getting submerged in its own uncertainty, resulting from an alliance agreement that to-date, remains a mystery.