DPP’s National Governing Council meeting on Thursday in Lilongwe agreed that delegates will be voting through secret ballot during the party’s convention on April 17 at COMESA hall in Blantyre.

“The party agreed that the voting will be secret and the convention will be held in Blantyre,” said convention chairman, Nicholas Dausi.

Political analysts have since said voting by secret ballot will reduce tension at the convention where Prof. Peter Mutharika is facing  Speaker Henry Chimunthu Banda for the position of President.

The aspiring Presidents will pay a nomination fee of K500, 000 while those eying the vice presidency will pay half of the amount.

The NGC further agreed that those going for the position of Secretary General should pay K200, 000 while Treasurer General will pay K150, 000  and all aspiring for Directors in different categories will pay K100,000 while their deputies will pay K50,000.