By Contributor
ZOMBA — Political commentator James Kayupa Phiri, based in Zomba, has accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of betraying the trust of Members of Parliament from the Northern Region following the party’s sudden decision to back Victor Musowa for the position of First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, abandoning its earlier support for Catherine Mzumara of the UTM.
Phiri described the move as “betrayal of the highest order,” saying it exposes the DPP’s continued disregard for regional balance and inclusivity within national politics.
“It is shocking that after initially assuring northern bloc MPs that the party was behind Mzumara’s candidature, the DPP has made a U-turn to endorse Musowa. This is exactly what happened during the general elections when the party picked both its presidential candidate and running mate from within the party despite forming alliances with other parties,” said Phiri.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bright Kandulu, another political observer, said the DPP’s reversal could significantly influence voting patterns when Parliament elects a new Speaker and two Deputy Speakers tomorrow.
“Many MPs will now think twice before aligning with parties that show such unpredictability. What happens in this election will reveal whether loyalty still counts in our politics or if personal conviction will take the lead,” Kondowe remarked.
The election of the Speaker and two Deputy Speakers is scheduled for tomorrow, and observers say the DPP’s last-minute shift could have far-reaching implications for the voting outcome and future political alliances in the National Assembly.
