By Burnett Munthali
Former Minister of Civic Education and National Unity, Timothy Mtambo, has dismissed suggestions that his recent remarks indicate he has left the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) or is against the party’s leader, Enock Chihana.
According to Mtambo, his disagreement lies squarely with AFORD’s decision to form an alliance with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ahead of the September 2025 General Election.
He emphasized that the DPP failed to govern the country effectively during its tenure from 2014 to 2019, leaving behind a trail of unaddressed issues and broken public trust.
Mtambo argued that there has been no indication that the DPP has transformed or learned from its previous failures to justify its return to power.
He further expressed concern over the recent selection of former Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson Jane Ansah as Peter Mutharika’s running mate.
In Mtambo’s view, this move signals that the DPP has no genuine reform agenda and is instead recycling figures associated with democratic regression and electoral misconduct.
He recalled the widespread protests that erupted during the 2019 elections under Jane Ansah’s leadership, stating that her actions undermined public confidence in the electoral process.
“I cannot stand on any political platform to support the DPP which failed the nation, nor Jane Ansah who played a key role in distorting the 2019 election results,” Mtambo said firmly.
He went on to reveal that his life was under threat during the DPP regime, implying that it would be hypocritical for him to now support individuals who once endangered his safety.
Mtambo’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of political alliances forming ahead of the election, especially those involving figures and parties with controversial histories.
His position underscores the deep divisions within opposition ranks and raises questions about the legitimacy and appeal of the newly formed AFORD-DPP partnership.
As the campaign season unfolds, Mtambo’s principled stance may resonate with voters who remain wary of returning to leadership structures they associate with past political instability.
