By Suleman Chitera
As Malawi edges closer to the September 16 elections, the spotlight is no longer just on the presidential hopefuls but also on their running mates. Among them, Justice (retired) Jane Mayemu Ansah, chosen by former president Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has drawn the most scrutiny and intrigue. The question is simple but weighty: is she the best running mate in the field?
A Rare Pedigree in Governance
Jane Ansah enters the race with a résumé that sets her apart. She once served as Attorney General, later as Justice of Appeal in the Supreme Court, and eventually as chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC). Few in Malawian politics can claim such a blend of constitutional, legal, and administrative experience.
In comparison, rivals like Vitumbiko Mumba of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) bring youthful technocratic energy, while People’s Party (PP) candidate Khumbo Kachali relies on his past vice-presidency. United Transformation Movement (UTM) has placed its bet on engineer Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka, a technocrat with global corporate experience, while Atupele Muluzi’s UDF has fielded Dr. Rex Kalolo, a preacher and medical doctor. On sheer qualifications, Ansah towers over the field.
Coalition Value
Running mates are often chosen not just for credentials but also for the political coalitions they can help secure. Ansah’s nomination makes a strong statement on gender representation, marking one of the few women at the apex of a 2025 presidential ticket. Her presence appeals to professional and middle-class voters who view her as a figure of order and authority.
While her rivals can claim pockets of influence—Mumba in the urban youth demographic, Kachali in the Northern Region, Mtumbuka in technocratic circles, and Kalolo through church networks—none has the broad institutional gravitas that Ansah brings to DPP’s already strong national base.
Discipline on the Campaign Trail
Since her unveiling, Ansah has been remarkably disciplined in her messaging, accompanying Mutharika to rallies and structured visits without generating controversy. Observers note her “no-drama” presence, a sharp contrast to some rivals who are still finding their footing on the national stage. This stability is considered an asset at a time when Malawians are weary of political turbulence.
The Shadow of 2019–2020
Yet Ansah’s biggest strength is also her greatest liability. Her tenure as MEC chair during the 2019 elections ended in turmoil after both the Constitutional and Supreme Courts nullified the presidential poll, citing irregularities. The infamous use of Tipp-Ex became a symbol of electoral mismanagement. Mass protests demanded her resignation, which she eventually tendered in 2020.
However, the story is not one-sided. At the height of protests, thousands of women marched in her defense, arguing she was unfairly targeted because of her gender. That episode can be framed either as a blemish or as proof of her resilience under pressure—a narrative DPP strategists are keen to push.
Riding the Polling Tide
Current opinion surveys suggest that the DPP is enjoying a national lead, according to reputable polling institutes. While numbers vary, the consistent trend is that Mutharika’s ticket is ahead. That means any running mate on the DPP side begins with a structural advantage. In this context, Ansah’s presence does not erode Mutharika’s coalition and, if anything, adds a layer of seriousness to the ticket.
The Bottom Line
Judged on credentials, coalition math, campaign discipline, and the broader electoral landscape, Jane Ansah emerges as the most strategically placed running mate in the 2025 race. Her background in governance and law is unmatched, and her disciplined approach strengthens DPP’s momentum.
But her candidacy is not without risks. The memories of 2019–2020 still linger, and opposition campaigns will likely resurrect them on the trail. Whether Malawians see her as a symbol of institutional collapse or a resilient leader unfairly targeted could determine her ultimate value on the ticket.
For now, with less than a month to the polls, one fact is clear: Jane Ansah has reshaped the debate on what it means to be a running mate in Malawi.
