By Burnett Munthali
In a significant political development, former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) has announced that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will enter into a strategic alliance with the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), the United Transformation Movement (UTM), and the United Democratic Front (UDF) for the upcoming 2025 elections. This move marks a major shift in Malawi’s political landscape and aims to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the polls.
During the DPP convention earlier on Sunday, 18 August, 2025, APM outlined the rationale behind this unprecedented alliance. He emphasized that uniting with these parties will strengthen the opposition’s capacity to challenge the ruling party, address national issues more effectively, and offer a more cohesive alternative to the electorate.
The alliance is expected to pool resources, strategize collectively, and present a united front in the elections. By bringing together DPP’s established base with AFORD’s regional influence, UTM’s grassroots mobilization, and UDF’s historical presence, the coalition hopes to enhance its appeal across Malawi’s diverse political spectrum.
Political analysts view this development as a strategic move that could reshape the electoral dynamics, potentially altering voter alignments and influencing the outcome of the 2025 elections. The formation of this alliance reflects a broader trend towards collaboration among opposition parties, aiming to overcome fragmentation and amplify their impact on the national stage.
As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on how this alliance will navigate the complexities of coalition politics and its implications for Malawi’s future governance