By Suleman Chitera
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has officially welcomed two aspiring candidates who intend to contest in the forthcoming by-election for Rumphi Central Constituency. The by-election was triggered by the appointment of Enoch Chihana as Malawi’s Second Vice-President, which created a vacancy in the area’s parliamentary seat.
The two candidates joining the DPP race are Moir Walita Mkandawire — who previously contested as an independent during the 16 September general elections — and Yeremiah Chihana, who ran on an Alliance for Democracy (Aford) ticket in Mzimba Kafukule Constituency.
DPP Calls for Strong Support in Rumphi Central
DPP governor for the Northern Region, Christopher Mzomera Ngwira, appealed to voters in Rumphi Central to rally behind the party. He hinted at ongoing uncertainties surrounding the DPP–Aford alliance, emphasizing that the party needs strong grassroots backing.
“The only gift that the people of Rumphi Central Constituency should give to Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for choosing Enoch Chihana as the Second Vice-President is to vote for a DPP candidate because we did not agree on the featuring of candidates at constituency level,” Ngwira said.
Govt Promises More Development Projects
Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Martha Ngwira, also encouraged constituents to vote for the ruling DPP, saying this would help unlock more government development initiatives for the area.
She highlighted that aligning with the ruling party provides Rumphi Central with greater opportunities for infrastructure upgrades, social services, and other development programs.
A Pivotal Constituency Ahead of the By-Election
Rumphi Central Constituency is expected to be highly competitive as multiple parties eye the seat. The entry of two prominent political figures into the DPP camp sets the stage for an intense campaign period and signals shifting political alliances ahead of the by-election.
As the race officially begins, all eyes remain on Rumphi Central to see how voters will respond to the new political dynamics.
