The news that started like a rumor but is slowly becoming a reality as there are strong reports that Joyce Banda will be partnered with Youthful Minister of Trade, Sosten Gwengwe, as her running mate on People’s Party (PP) ticket.

Vice President, Khumbo  Hastings Kachali, said he has been formally told by President Banda that she will not be pairing with him as his running mate.

“The president has not picked me as running mate”, said Kachali.

He described Banda’s decision as “a vote of no confidence” to him.

Banda has been booked to submit her nomination papers to Malawi Electoral  Commission (MEC) officials on Friday at Comesa Hall.

Gwengwe who is a member of Parliament for Dedza Central Constituency, resigned as MP on Wednesday to pave way for his new role.

When approached for his decision to call it quit as an MP and to confirm of the rumor circulating around, Gwengwe confirmed to have been tipped to be her running mate.

“Yes i have resigned as Mp. Its requirement of the Constitution of the Land and also i have been tipped of the running mate issue but lets wait for the official announcement”, he said

Gwengwe further said that he is ready to help Joyce Banda

He holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (Finance) from Oxford Brookes University, he is a Charted Accountant (CIMA 2005) and he is an alumni of the University of Malawi (The Polytechnic) where he graduated with Bachelor of Accountancy. He is married.

Among his greatest achievements in politics has been his eloquent and consistent delivery of issues in the National Assembly, chaired informal network of Young Parliamentarians and inspiring many to stand as Councillors and Parliamentarians in the 2014 tripartite elections.

Honourable Gwengwe is the Founding Director of Alice Gwengwe Girls Academy at Linthipe in Dedza. He is 36 years old, he was born on 20th May 1977.