People’s Party Regional Committee members for the north have endorsed Joyce Banda as their torch bearer come 2019 elections.

The committee argues that Banda is the only candidate in the party who Malawians have hope in and can be voted back into government.

PP Provincial chair for the north Patrick Ng’oma confirmed of the development during the meeting the party held in Mzuzu aimed at welcoming members from other party including the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Ng’oma said the members are also pushing for the return of Banda from self-imposed exile.

On his part, PP Deputy Spokesperson Ackson Kalaile Banda said the party cannot object the endorsement.

However, some social commentators have said endorsing leaders affected internal democracy within parties.