By Suleman Chitera

Lilongwe — Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) President Enock Chihana has dismissed as baseless reports suggesting that his party has withdrawn from ongoing electoral alliance discussions with other opposition political parties.

Speaking in an interview with Capital FM, Chihana said the reports were being peddled by individuals who are afraid of the strength and potential of the emerging alliance, which he said could bring together the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the United Transformation Movement (UTM), and AFORD ahead of the 2025 polls.

“I was in the southern region the whole of last week, and I have been talking about this alliance, so how can we pull out? That is not my language at all. Those writing such things are simply afraid of the impact this alliance may have,” Chihana said.

AFORD has been engaged in behind-the-scenes talks with other political stakeholders in a bid to form a formidable electoral partnership for the upcoming elections. The alliance talks have sparked interest among political commentators, with many describing them as a potential game-changer on Malawi’s political landscape.

Chihana’s remarks come amid growing speculation on social media about possible cracks within the opposition alliance discussions — claims he insists are unfounded.