By Suleman Chitera
The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has announced that it will not field candidates in constituencies considered strongholds of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in next month’s by-elections, reaffirming its commitment to the Blue Alliance pact between the two governing parties.
AFORD Director of Political Affairs, Ernest Kondowe, said the decision was reached to honour the alliance agreement and to prevent vote-splitting in areas where the DPP commands significant support. He described the move as a clear demonstration of political maturity, discipline, and unity within the governing bloc.
Kondowe further stated that the decision reflects respect for President Peter Mutharika, whom he described as a unifying figure and the “father” of the alliance arrangement between the two parties. According to him, maintaining cohesion within the alliance is critical to ensuring electoral success and sustaining political stability.
The position is contained in a formal letter from AFORD Secretary General Linda Limbe to her DPP counterpart, Peter Mukhitho. In the communication, AFORD emphasised the importance of coordinated campaigning and mutual support at grassroots level to secure victory in the by-elections.
“We look forward to a cordial and synchronized working relationship on the ground. It is our expectation that both parties will provide each other with the necessary space to campaign effectively, while simultaneously offering mutual support to ensure a clean sweep for the alliance,” reads part of the statement.
Political observers note that the strategy represents a calculated effort to consolidate the alliance’s electoral strength by avoiding internal competition. By stepping aside in DPP-dominated areas, AFORD appears to be prioritising collective success over territorial expansion, reinforcing the coalition’s strategic alignment.
The country is scheduled to hold by-elections in four constituencies and nine wards next month. The polls are widely viewed as a critical test of the Blue Alliance’s cohesion and its capacity to mobilise supporters through coordinated constituency and ward-level structures.
As the campaign period approaches, attention will centre on how effectively AFORD and the DPP translate their high-level agreement into operational collaboration on the ground. The outcome could provide early indications of the alliance’s durability and its prospects in forthcoming electoral contests.
