The country’s Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima has come out of his cocoon to disclose that he will contest as President in the forthcoming 2019 tripartite election ending long standing speculations among Malawians.

Chilima said this on Wednesday evening during a special programme aired on Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) hosted by Gospel Kazako, Managing Director.

“If the process is that we go through an elective conference or convention where candidates will compete and one emerge as a torchbearer, of course I would accept. It is very humbling to see that one might consider you for such positions,” said Chilima.

Chilima also disclosed that other political parties have approached him for a possible alliance ahead of 2019 polls.

“Other political organisations have approached me that ‘can we work together?’ Are we going to go as an independent candidate or a political party or as I said a grand coalition as was the case in 2004 when we had the Mgwirizano Coalition? That decision will be made within the next political days.

“I prefer to support a group, people who share similar ideologies or values. I don’t think it would be right to go and impose myself on a people,” added Chilima.

Chilima dumped the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) last month following a tension between grouping called Chilima movement advancing for his candidature led by former first lady Callista Mutharika and some top blast in the party.

The movement led by Callista openly rejected Mutharika’s candidature saying he is too old to rule the country again.