By Burnett Munthali
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) running mate, Justice Dr. Jane Ansah, has stepped up her campaign activities in the Northern Region, signaling the party’s determination to win over a critical voting bloc ahead of the September polls.
On Wednesday, Ansah held a whistle-stop rally at Bwengu in Rumphi District where she urged residents to back Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as the candidate best placed to restore stability and development in Malawi.
Addressing the crowd, Ansah emphasized that Mutharika’s leadership experience sets him apart in a crowded political field. She reminded voters of the infrastructure gains, rural electrification projects, and social support programs that were rolled out under Mutharika’s previous administration.
She argued that a DPP government under Mutharika would not only build on those foundations but also correct the governance shortcomings Malawians have experienced in recent years.
Ansah also used the rally to address concerns about the DPP’s past record, telling supporters that the party has reflected on its mistakes and is ready to govern with renewed focus and accountability.
Her message appeared to resonate with many in attendance, particularly in a region where voters have often felt overlooked by successive governments in terms of development priorities.
Political observers note that Ansah’s Northern Region tour is a strategic calculation by the DPP. The North has historically been a swing region in Malawian politics, capable of tipping national outcomes depending on which candidate manages to connect with its aspirations.
By maintaining a strong grassroots presence, Ansah is not only reinforcing Mutharika’s candidacy but also bridging the perception gap between the DPP and Northern voters, who in past elections expressed concerns of marginalization.
Analysts suggest that the combination of emphasizing Mutharika’s experience, acknowledging past shortcomings, and directly engaging with communities positions Ansah’s campaign as a credible attempt to win over undecided voters in the region.
Political Analysis
Jane Ansah’s persistence in the North reflects a deliberate effort to rebrand the DPP as a party willing to listen, engage, and deliver. Her framing of Mutharika as a tested leader who can stabilize the economy and accelerate development is a message that could strongly appeal to Northern voters who are weary of unfulfilled promises.
If she succeeds in convincing the electorate that the DPP has both the experience and humility to govern differently this time, Ansah’s strategy may well resonate—and the Northern Region could once again become the tipping point that propels Mutharika back into power.
