‘Prodigal’ DPP MPs return

At least 20 parliamentarians, who defected to the ruling People’s Party have returned to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the party’s interim president has confirmed.

Peter Mutharika said many former DPP MPs have contacted him on the issue, and promise to seat opposition benches as parliament reconvenes on Monday.

“As for the number, I need to check with the speaker because they have to inform him on the change. So by Monday you will see many people on the other seating on the DPP side.

Some of the parliamentarians were welcomed by DPP officials during its party’s rally held in Blantyre on Sunday.

Some of these parliamentarians are those who joined the ruling PP following the death of former president Bingu wa Mutharika.

The DPP rally was held a day before parliament starts meeting in Lilongwe and it is believed that these lawmakers are returning to the DPP in fear of the implementation of section 65.

During the previous parliament meeting, DPP was in forefront pushing for the implementation of section 65, to take to task those who defected to the PP.

Mutharika described the returning of the MPs as a sign of settling the political dust since the demise of President Mutharika.

“We don’t know how the Speaker is going to rule on the issue of Section 65. I think they realised that they made a mistake, so they want to return. You know, we panicked when the president died, and they thought the DPP will die but they have seen that it’s not the case so they want to return. So we will welcome them as a prodigal son in the Bible. They are bonafide members of the party

The DPP officials have held at least four party rallies in all regions since the demise of president Mutharika.