Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Councillor for Blantyre City Soche East Ward Leoanrd Chimbanga has confirmed the appointment of Thyolo Thava MP Mary Navicha as new leader of opposition in Parliament.

Navicha’a appointment comes amid infighting in the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regarding the position of leader of opposition in Parliament between Member of Parliament for Mulanje Central Kondwani Nankhumwa and Dr. George Chaponda.

“Today history has been made! The Democratic Progressive Party has appointed Hon Mary Thom Navicha as New Leader of Opposition in parliament. Hon Navicha becomes a first woman to be appointed as Leader of Opposition in the country, a feat commentators have said reflects well with the party’s policy on Women Empowerment!

“People across the country and beyond have started pouring their congratulatory messages to The Democratic Progressive Party for the perfect decision which also cement the fact that the party upholds the rule of law,” wrote Chimbanga.

He added: “It is expected that the party will release a statement shortly following this decision.”