By Comrade jumbe
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has made what is arguably its most damaging political decision ahead of the upcoming general elections—selecting Dr. Jane Ansah as its running mate.
In a time when public trust, political energy, and numbers are critical, this decision is not only misaligned with the expectations of party loyalists and the general electorate but also reveals a concerning lack of political awareness within the DPP leadership.
This move raises critical concerns about the party’s strategic thinking and its seriousness in reclaiming power.
Jane Ansah: The Wrong Candidate at the Wrong Time
Dr. Jane Ansah may have a respected background in the legal profession, but she is not a politician.
Her name is still heavily associated with the controversial 2019 elections, which nearly plunged the country into chaos and eventually led to a fresh election.
The public perception around her remains largely negative, and her nomination sends a signal that the DPP is out of touch with how deeply Malawians feel about past electoral injustices.
Furthermore, Jane Ansah is failing to establish political presence even at the constituency level.
If she cannot win support locally, it is unreasonable to expect her to mobilize national support. Choosing her as a running mate is not just a risk; it’s a clear display of political detachment and lack of ground intelligence.
Three Missed Opportunities That Could Have Boosted DPP
DPP had better and more politically strategic options for running mate.
Three names stood out as game-changers, each with clear potential to energize the party and appeal to different voting blocs:
- Alfred Gangata
Alfred Gangata represents the political freshness DPP desperately needs.
He is young, energetic, and already popular among grassroots supporters.
Gangata has proven to be a crowd-puller—something no party should underestimate during a competitive campaign.
His presence could have revived the party’s youth base and given DPP a strong advantage in terms of visibility, energy, and connection with ordinary Malawians.
Gangata is not part of the recycled political elite.
He is home-grown within DPP and reflects the face of the party’s future.
Ignoring him in favor of a controversial figure like Jane Ansah is a major misjudgment.
- Atupele Muluzi
Despite his flaws, Atupele Muluzi could have been a strategic alliance partner.
He carries the UDF base, commands support in key districts, and would have added significant value in terms of numbers.
Politics is a numbers game, and including Atupele would have increased the DPP’s chances of consolidating opposition votes.
Furthermore, Atupele is a known name among voters and has matured politically.
If DPP had prioritized unity, strategic alliances, and cross-party cooperation, he was a clear and realistic option.
- Mary Chilima
Mary Chilima, though not a politician, has national recognition and an emotional connection with many Malawians due to the tragic and still-unresolved death of her husband, the late Vice President Saulos Chilima.
There is a huge wave of sympathy across the country, and her entry into politics—even as a newcomer—could have drawn millions of votes.
Her selection could have been seen as a dignified continuation of her husband’s vision and would have broadened DPP’s appeal to voters beyond its traditional base. This was a rare opportunity that has now been wasted.
A Costly Disconnect from Political Reality
This choice reflects a major disconnect between the DPP leadership and political reality on the ground.
Malawians are looking for leadership that connects with their pain, aspirations, and frustrations.
This election is about trust, hope, and credible leadership. The Jane Ansah nomination does not deliver on any of those expectations.
Instead of generating momentum, this decision has left the party open to criticism, internal divisions, and loss
