The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) continues to attract newly elected independent Members of Parliament (MPs) who have opted to join the party following the September 16 elections.
After the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officially announced the parliamentary results, several independent legislators began aligning themselves with the ruling party.
The first wave of defections came from the Eastern Region, where DPP Vice President for the East, Bright Msaka, welcomed four independent MPs from Ntcheu District and one from Zomba District.
On Thursday, the DPP Vice President for the North, Jappie Mhango, also received four Members of Parliament and one Ward Councillor who joined the party during a ceremony in Mzuzu.
The new members include:
- Jacob Mtambalika, MP for Nkhata Bay Mpamba Constituency
- William Chikweta Kaweche, MP for Mzuzu South East
- Ackim Kumwenda, MP for Mzimba West
- Chance Munthali, MP for Chitipa South
- Gabriel Lusungu Mwaungulu, Councillor for Katoto–Chibavi Ward
Mtambalika, who is also the Managing Director of JDC Construction Company and Sparrows Christian Academy, was among those officially welcomed into the DPP fold.
In his remarks, Mhango said the party was pleased to continue receiving new members, noting that the move would strengthen DPP’s presence in Parliament and enhance cooperation on national development matters.
“The growing number of MPs joining the DPP will create a more favourable working environment in Parliament and accelerate the country’s social and economic development,” said Mhango.
During the September 16 elections, the DPP won 77 parliamentary seats, while 71 candidates were elected as independents.
Political analysts say the continued defection of independent MPs to the DPP is likely to give the party a parliamentary majority, further consolidating its influence in the legislature.
