At the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) elective conference held in Blantyre, several prominent figures were ousted from the party’s National Governing Council (NGC). The shake-up saw the removal of several key officials, signaling a significant shift in the party’s leadership structure.
Among the notable leaders who lost their positions was Leader of the Opposition George Chaponda, who was defeated by Joseph Mwanamveka for the role of Vice President for the South. Additionally, Chimwemwe Chipungu was unseated from his position as National Organizing Secretary by Zameer Suleman, and former Secretary General Dr. Clement Mwale lost his position to Peter Mukhito.
The new NGC also saw the introduction of fresh faces, including Norman Chisale, who secured the position of National Director of Youth, Alfred Gangata as Vice President for the Centre, and Chipiliro Mpinganjira as National Director of Legal Affairs.
Below is a list of some of the newly elected NGC members:
Unopposed Positions:
President: Prof. Peter Mutharika
Vice President for the South: Joseph Mwanamveka
Vice President for the East: Bright Msaka
Vice President for the Centre: Alfred Gangata
Vice President for the North: Japie Mhango
Secretary General: Peter Mukhito
National Treasurer General: Edgar Tembo
National Campaign Director: Chifundo Makande
National Director of Religious Affairs: Apostle Timothy Khoviwa
National Director of Research: William Susuwele Banda
National Director of Logistics: Symon Vuwa Kaunda
National Publicity Secretary: Shadrick Namalomba
National Organizing Secretary: Zameer Suleman
National Director of Legal Affairs: Chipiliro Mpinganjira
National Director of Youth: Norman Chisale
National Director of Women: Mary Navicha
National Director of Political Affairs: Ben Phiri
Director of Economic Affairs: Ralph Jooma
The removal of leaders like Clement Mwale, Chimwemwe Chipungu, and George Chaponda was met with enthusiasm by some DPP members, who criticized them for being ineffective in steering the party towards victory in the 2025 elections.
In his address, Convention Chairperson George Chaponda congratulated the winners and urged all members to work together in unity to ensure success in the upcoming 2025 elections. Prof. Mutharika expressed his gratitude to party members for their trust and their contributions to the convention’s success, emphasizing the party’s goal of returning to power next year.
The DPP is the second political party in Malawi to hold a convention, following the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Other parties, including UTM, AFORD, UDF, and People’s Party, are yet to hold their elective conferences.
