One of the country’s senior citizens D.D Phiri believes that President Joyce Banda has lost some grounds in Northern Region by omitting Khumbo Kachali as a running mate.
The economist and Historian’s opinion was published in one of the dailies and he sees that national politics and regionalism had played a part.
“I do not ignore the role that regionalism contribute to national Political dynamics when the citizenry are preparing for elections.” D.D Phiri said.
Joyce Banda has preferred Gwengwe to Kachali for running mate –saying that the contract between her and Kachali had come to an end.
However, DD Phiri described the reasoning as not carrying wealth.
“This is a weightless explanation because expired contracts get renewed.
“She herself, by submitting her name for candidature, is trying to renew her contract with the nation of Malawi.” DD Phiri noted.
Phiri also said by picking Gwengwe who hails from central region, Banda has spoken of her analysis that she is not attracted to render much effort on a less registered voters –Northern region such that she wanted to prioritize Center which has 3 million registered voters.
He relates the scenario with a dilemma Bakili Muluzi had in 1994 and 2004 when he omitted Aleke Banda of Northern Region for Justine Malewezi of the centre and Aleke for Bingu wa Mutharika respectively.
He however observed that the decision of disposing Kachali will rob PP votes considering the fact that MCP chose a running mate from North.
“It should be realized that Malawi Congress party president Lazarus Chakwera has succeeded in attracting the affection of Northern region voters by picking Richard Msowoya as his running mate.
“Those who would have voted for the PP because of Kachali will vote for MCP because of Msowoya.” DD Phiri observed.
In his words, DD Phiri described Khumbo Kachali as a potential leader.