…businessman Gangata
… ex-ministers Mganda Chiume and Jappie
Businessman Alfred Gangata is set to face two former cabinet ministers Jappie Mhango and Ephraim Mganda Chiume for the post of vice president for the erstwhile ruling party the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Investigator Magazine has confirmed.
The party has banned open campaign in the party and uncertainty surrounding its incumbent leader Peter Mutharika’s future has led to a pause among the five candidates vying for the presidency whilst the vice president contenders continue to woo voters across the country.
The convention is expected to be held this July though a group that is pushing for Mutharikas return wants it postponed to 2024.
Gangata who owns Master Security and once sponsored a football team in the Super League at 33 years is the youngest person to vie for such a position, whilst Jappie Mhango a former well-known sports personality turned politician has risen through the DPP ranks and now serves as the kitty keeper since 2018.
Mganda Chiume served as the party’s first administrative secretary since the party started 2005 to 2009 when he entered Parliament and DPP founding President Bingu wa Mutharika appointed him Minister of Justice.
Ephraim Mganda Chiume and former Minister Jappie Mhango
“I have experience. I was part of the founding team of the DPP. We laid a structure and systems that led us to win a landslide in 2009. I believe I have what it takes to unite the party so we flow together and start behaving like a government in waiting. Once we win, Malawians should have confidence we know how to solve these problems they are facing. I know how to win elections,” said a soft speaking Mganda Chiume.
Mhango on his part said his record speaks of itself as he has been rising in the party ranks showing he can deliver whichever role he has been given. Mhango served as National Campaign Director between 2014 to 2018 when he was appointed as Treasurer General.
“I want to be a vice president that can win the election. I bring vast experiences and we will this election. I am sure I am the right candidate to help whoever becomes party torch bearer to win. I bring balance and will use all my expertise to ensure victory for the party,” said Mhango who deputised Peter Mutharika as Defence Minister and served as Information, Homeland Security and Health Minister.
The youthful Gangata whose first attempt to run was in 2018 as National Youth Director and now he says he has decided to go for the vice presidential post as he wants to change the party into a self-sustaining machinery.
“I have succeeded at a young age, and I want to share my success with the political party I love. I want DPP to evolve into a machinery that is self-sustaining. I will support the party both the young and old to be financially independent. I want to make the DPP, with the one to be elected as president, the biggest party in Malawi,”said Gangata.
Gangata who is the only vice-presidential candidate that contributed K5 million to the DPP fundraising dinner dance held on Saturday night.
For the Presidential post should Mutharika proceed to retirement five have expressed interest to succeed him namely former Chief Secretary and Minister Bright Msaka, former Principal Secretary and Governor of Reserve Bank of Malawi Dalitso Kabambe, Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa, Businessman Richard Gadama and formee Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha.
Mutharika speaking at the dinner asked the DPP faithful to “choose someone who capable to solve the economic challenges” a strong indication that he might retire.
