DPP, UDF marriage collapses; MPs relocate to opposition benches in Parliament

The five year marriage between the ruling Democratic Progress Party (DPP) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) has finally come to an end, faceofmalawi can confidently reveal.

UDF and DPP entered into an alliance just after the May 20, 2014 tripartite election where at Atupele Muluzi, President was given a Ministerial post.

The alliance between the two parties received criticisms from all corners with former Member of Parliament for Balaka North Lucius Banda now Campaign Director in United Tranformation Movement (UTM) Campaign Director describing the marriage as not beneficial.

Banda went further by asking the Party’s leadership to terminate the marriage, saying the partnership will kill the party.

But Banda’s advice fell on deaf ears and the two party’s went on with the marriage.

In May 21 tripartite election, UDF performed badly with its leader Atupele Muluzi losing the Parliamentary seat to a new-comer in Machinga District.
As this was not enough, the number of UDF MPs in Parliament slumped from 14 to 10.

Further than that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika dropped Atupele Muluzi in the just released 24 member Cabinet.

And now UDF MPs have relocated to opposition benches in Parliament after seeking permission from the Speaker of the Augsust House Catherine Gotani Hara.

The decision is said to be one of the strategies of rebuilding the party for future elections.

UDF Spokesperson Ken Ndanga confirmed of the development in an interview with the press, saying the party is now on rebuilding exercise.

Effort to talk DPP Spokesperson Nicholas Dausi proved futile on the matter.