Paul Gadama, an aspirant candidate for the position of Vice President for the Centre in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) convention, has pledged to revitalize the party’s presence in the Central Region. In an exclusive interview with The Truth Malawi at the party’s headquarters in Blantyre, Gadama emphasized the need for influential leadership to make the party more popular in the region.
“The position requires someone who has influence to penetrate the region and make the party popular,” said Gadama.
He urged delegates to use the upcoming elective convention as an opportunity to elect a representative who will effectively mobilize supporters and “paint the region with blue” under his leadership.
Gadama expressed concern over the party’s lack of strength in the Central Region in recent years, attributing it to the absence of visionary leadership.
“The position needs someone with a vision to make the party more popular than before, who will make use of party supporters effectively,” he added.
Confident in his ability to lead, Gadama stated that he is prepared to secure more than 50 percent of the total votes in the Central Region during the 2025 elections.
Gadama will face Alfred Gangata in the convention, scheduled for August 17th and 18th, 2024. The competition for positions within the DPP is expected to be fierce, with key contests including the Vice President for the Eastern Region, where Zomba Chingale MP Lonnie Phiri will challenge the incumbent Bright Msaka.
Other notable races include the Vice President for the South, where George Chaponda will go head-to-head with Joseph Mwanamveka, and the National Director of Women, where Mary Navicha will face off against Roza Mbilizi. Additionally, Thyolo Central MP Ben Phiri is vying for the position of Director of Political Affairs.
As political parties in Malawi gear up for the 2025 general elections, the DPP’s convention is seen as a crucial moment for the party to solidify its leadership and strategy, following the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) convention, which re-elected President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera as the party’s torchbearer.
