DPP’s strategic Integrity: Why supporting Mzumara’s Speakership bid would betray political realities, alliances

In the unfolding political drama surrounding the upcoming election for the speakership positions in Malawi’s National Assembly, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has faced criticism for its choice not to rally behind Catherine Mzumara, the United Transformation Movement (UTM) vice president and Northern Region bloc’s favored candidate for First Deputy Speaker.

However, a deeper look into the political landscape reveals that DPP’s decision to nominate Victor Musowa from Mulanje Bale instead is not only strategic but also grounded in political principle and alliance realities.

It is essential to understand the nuances of party loyalty, alliance commitments, and political pragmatism to appreciate why the DPP’s stance is justified and even commendable.

First and foremost, political parties operate within frameworks of alliances, shared goals, and mutual support. The Northern Region bloc, a coalition of about 37 MPs, endorsed Mzumara reflecting their regional interests and political alignment.

However, it is crucial to note that Mzumara’s party, UTM, had not entered into any formal political alliance with the DPP.

In fact, UTM actively campaigned against the DPP’s president, Peter Mutharika, thereby positioning itself as a political adversary rather than a partner.

This antagonistic posture by UTM makes it strategically and ethically untenable for the DPP to support Mzumara’s candidacy.

Political alliances are not merely about convenience; they are about shared visions and reciprocal support.

The DPP has commitments to other political actors and blocs, particularly those in the Northern Region who have chosen to ally with it.

The Northern Region bloc’s support for Mzumara is complicated by the fact that not all members of this bloc are in alliance with the DPP.

Those who have allied with the DPP have an expectation of mutual support on critical votes and appointments.

Supporting a UTM candidate who is from a party that vigorously campaigned against DPP’s leadership would be a betrayal of trust and alliance solidarity.

Moreover, the DPP’s official slate, with Sameer Suleman for Speaker of Parliament and Victor Musowa for First Deputy Speaker, reflects a carefully negotiated balance that respects existing alliances and political realities.

Musowa’s nomination is not a rejection of the Northern Region’s interests but an assertion of the party’s right to promote candidates within the framework of its alliances and political strategy.

It is a reminder that political support is a currency that must be earned through cooperation and shared objectives, not demanded unilaterally.

Calling on the DPP to support Mzumara simply because she enjoys the endorsement of part of the Northern Region bloc overlooks the complex nature of political affiliations.

It ignores that the Northern Region bloc is not monolithic; it contains MPs who have chosen different political paths.

Those who have allied with the DPP naturally expect the party to support their candidates, and it is reasonable for the DPP to honor these alliances.

Conversely, UTM, as a party that has positioned itself in opposition to DPP’s political agenda, cannot reasonably expect support from the DPP on such a critical leadership position.

Furthermore, the DPP’s stance encourages political clarity and accountability.

It sends a message that political parties must stand by their alliances and that political support is not a given but contingent on mutual respect and cooperation.

This clarity is vital for the health of Malawi’s multiparty democracy, where political actors must navigate alliances strategically rather than opportunistically.

If the DPP were to support Mzumara simply to appease the Northern Region bloc without regard to alliance dynamics, it would set a precedent for unstable politics where loyalties are fluid and unreliable.

The decision also reflects political maturity and respect for democratic processes within parties.

The DPP has nominated candidates it believes best represent its interests and those of its allies.

By standing firm behind Victor Musowa, the party asserts its agency and independence. This is important in a political environment where coalition-building and negotiation are constant.

It demonstrates that the DPP is not merely reactive to external pressures but proactive in shaping its leadership and political future.

Additionally, urging the Northern Region bloc that entered into alliance with the DPP to support the party’s candidates while allowing UTM to pursue its own interests is a balanced approach.

It respects the diversity of political representation in the Northern Region and acknowledges that political unity does not mean uniformity.

Each party and alliance must chart its course according to its principles and strategies.

The DPP’s position encourages political actors to honor their alliances and respect the decisions of other parties, fostering a more predictable and stable political environment.

The backdrop of UTM’s vigorous campaigning against Peter Mutharika during previous elections cannot be ignored.

Such active opposition naturally strains any prospects for cooperation or support in parliamentary leadership contests.

It would be politically naive and counterproductive for the DPP to overlook this history in the interest of short-term gains.

Political credibility and consistency demand that parties reward loyalty and hold accountable those who have opposed them.

The Democratic Progressive Party’s decision not to support Catherine Mzumara for First Deputy Speaker is a principled and pragmatic choice rooted in the realities of political alliances and party loyalty.

Supporting a vice president of a rival party that campaigned vigorously against DPP’s leadership would undermine the trust and cooperation that underpin political alliances.

The DPP’s nomination of Victor Musowa reflects respect for alliance commitments within the Northern Region bloc and a strategic assertion of party independence.

This stance promotes political accountability, stability, and clarity in Malawi’s multiparty democracy.

Rather than viewing the DPP’s position as divisive, it should be appreciated as a demonstration of political integrity and the complex negotiations that keep democratic politics vibrant and functional.

Let those in alliance with DPP support each other, and let UTM pursue its own path; this is the essence of healthy democratic pluralism.

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Son arrested for killing father over land dispute in Mangochi

MANGOCHI-(MaraviPost)-Police in Mangochi have arrested a 40-year-old man, identified as Milambo Umali, for allegedly murdering his biological father following a heated land dispute at Ndembo Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Chimwala, in Mangochi District.

According to Mangochi Police Spokesperson Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the shocking incident occurred on October 25, 2025, after an argument erupted between the two family members over the use of family land.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the dispute started when the father, who has since died, objected to his son’s decision to lease part of the land to another person for farming.

The disagreement quickly escalated into violence, during which Umali reportedly struck his father several times with a hoe handle on the left side of his body.

The elderly man later complained of severe pain and weakness and was rushed to Mtima Bi Health Centre, where he received outpatient treatment.

However, his condition worsened overnight, prompting relatives to take him to Mangochi District Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.

A postmortem examination revealed that the cause of death was internal injuries sustained during the assault.

Police have since taken Umali into custody and he is expected to appear in court soon to answer a charge of murder, contrary to Section 209 of the Penal Code.

Inspector Daudi has since urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid resorting to violence, especially in family-related matters.

“We continue to appeal to communities to seek dialogue or mediation through traditional or legal channels whenever disagreements arise, rather than taking the law into their own hands,” said Daudi.

The suspect Umali, hails from Gwaza Village, (T.A) Chimwala in Mangochi District.

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HRCC lauds Mutharika for keeping promise on Chihana’s 2nd Veep Post

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under the banner Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has commended President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) for keeping promise by appointing Enock Kamzingeni Chihana as Malawi’s Second Vice president saying the act is in line with the law.

In an interview with The Maravi on Monday, HRCC Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba criticized some of the society including IMF and world bank for contributing towards Chihana’s swearing-in delays while raising concerns given the economic situation of the country.

But Mkwezalamba stated that “As a sovereign state, we are within our mandate to practice what our law allows us to do otherwise these bodies should have first supported the removal of the provision in our constitution so that it should not be utilized”.

“While people may be right to raise the financial implication of the decision, we need to realise that it is provided for in the constitution and that it’s being implemented for the common good”.

He added, “Having been promised a lean cabinet it means the Office of the President has to work diligently hence two vice Presidents and a Minister of State compliments that strength.

“On the other hand the north came out in large numbers to register and they did vote, without promoting regionalism, it may be obvious majority voted DPP because it had not hidden the fact that it had partnered with AFORD, the region has been longing for recognition and one wouldn’t blame them of they found favour in this partnership, as such we have a responsibility and duty to honour their choices and decisions.?”

Mkwezalamba says further, “This why as HRCC, in the spirit of promoting peace, unity and equal representation in matters of state, salutes APM for keeping the campaign promise of getting Aford in government.

“It is one thing to make commitments or promises and another to keep them, hence we need to commend APM for this”.

Mkwezalamba assures, “Our role and duty as CSOs and citizens as well as the international organisations is to monitor the roles and responsibilities that will be assigned to the 2nd Vice President and see if they are working for Malawians.

“If no progress is made, we will get back to APM to scrap the position as he is the only one mandated to appoint or un-appoint anyone to that position”.

He therefore called on Chihana to help APM work and deliver for the people, “While he is the direct beneficiary of the position, it is important to recognize that his appointment is on behalf of his people and in respect of sound democracy governance.

“We applaud Chihana for taking a gamble in withdrawing his candidature as president which indirectly saved resources for MEC and the country given the multitude presidential candidates we had”.

Mkwezalamba observes, “Chihana tdeserves appreciation for being responsible and more importantly leading afford to all elections with great vigor and energy since the denise of his father.

“Chihana has promoted the democratic space and it’s time for him to now deliver as 22nd vice President”.

He however cautioned APM to strongly monitor Chihana and youthful Minister of State Alfred Gangata, “To ensure sanity and that they are not overshadowing the 1st Vice President, because they are all in the same office of President”

“I’ve interacted with Chihana and Gangata as they are proven to be fit for these post to deliver.They need to be checked to ensure that there is sanity in the office of the President.

He added, “This ensuring that the First Vice President Jane Ansah does her job with minimal influence or interference from Chihana and Gangata.

“Their job descriptions should be laid down clearly! Otherwise we remain ready and committed to support and work with them to deliver for the people of Malawi”.

Mutharika is yet to appoint other cabinet ministers including Education, Health, Local Government, Youth and Sports, Natural Resources and Climate, Gender, Homeland Security, Lands, Mines and Energy.

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Fans’ Controversial Reaction to Potential ‘Miami Vice’ Casting Explained

Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan are reportedly in talks to star in an upcoming Miami Vice reboot — and fans have a lot to say about it.

Fortunately, most fans of the film franchise seem supportive of Butler, 34, and Jordan, 38, pairing up and taking down drug dealers and thieves in Miami, Florida. Others, however, aren’t convinced that another reboot is necessary.

Variety first reported the potential pairing in a post shared via Instagram Friday, October 24. As one person put it on the platform, “STOP MAKING REBOOTS (but this casting is perfect so never mind).”

A second person seemingly noted in response to others who were displeased, “Let’s gooo!!! Why not? If you don’t want to see it then don’t, that’s simple.”

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“Ok Why is everything now days is a reboot or prequel, no more original movies,” added a third commenter.

Butler is reportedly being wooed for the role of James “Sonny” Crockett, first portrayed by Don Johnson in the 1980s television series and then by Colin Farrell in the 2006 film version by director Michael Mann. Jordan would be playing detective Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs, played by Phillip Michael Thomas in the TV series and Jamie Foxx in the 2006 film.

The new movie is set to be directed by Joseph Kosinski and will be produced by Dylan Clark. Universal has set a release date for August 6, 2027.

Butler was most recently seen in Caught Stealing from director Darren Aronofsky. The movie, set in the 1990s, features a screenplay from Charlie Huston, who authored the book series of the same name. Butler plays Hank, a former baseball player who now works as a bartender. Hank agrees to watch the cat that belongs to his neighbor Russ (Matt Smith), and soon finds himself contending with a situation that’s much more intense than he anticipated.

Actor Don Johnson and actor Philip Michael Thomas
Actor Don Johnson and actor Philip Michael Thomas Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

“As far as what scared me, this is different from anything that I’ve been doing recently,” Butler told USA Today in an August 2025 interview. “In my previous few films, I’ve been exploring characters who are quite different from me, physically and vocally. I could immerse myself in this different skin.”

Jordan most recently starred in Ryan Coolger’s Sinners, and many believe the actor could earn his first Academy Award for his role as the Smokestack Twins.

“I haven’t even begun to reckon with the fact that this movie is No. 1,” Coogler told Forbes in April 2025 after the film shot to the top spot at the domestic box office following its release that month. “It’s crazy. This movie is about, like, my uncle. It is bizarre, but when I think about it, when I take my feelings out of it, I’m not surprised.”

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Despite that popularity, Coolger has also cautioned against fans urging him to make a sequel.

“I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that,” the director told EBONY in April 2025. “I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.”

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Demi Moore Thought Tom Cruise Was ‘Embarrassed’ by Her Pregnancy During Shoot

Demi Moore is recalling the early days of working with Tom Cruise on A Few Good Men while she was nearly eight months pregnant.

While speaking on Saturday, October 25, during a Q&A at the New Yorker Festival, Moore, 62, recalled reading lines for the film with costar Cruise, now 63, and director Rob Reiner.

“I think Tom was quite embarrassed,” Moore shared. “I actually felt OK about it. I was moving around, though, right? But I could tell he felt that it was a bit awkward.”

Moore was pregnant at the time with her and ex-husband Bruce Willisdaughter Scout, now 34. She speculated that Cruise may have been uncomfortable since it was uncommon for one of their peers to have children at the time, explaining that there was pressure to choose between having a career or being a mother — but never both.

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“It’s one of the many things, for me, that I just felt didn’t make sense. And so I challenged that to say, you know, ‘Why not? Why can’t you have both?’” she said. “But with that, I think, came a lot of pressure I put on myself to, in a sense, prove that it was possible.”

Us Weekly reached out to Cruise’s rep for comment.

Moore shared that she became “a bit of an overachievement” to prove she could balance both her role as a parent and an actor.

“I look back at that time now, and I go, ‘What the f*** was I thinking?’ And what was I even trying to prove? But it wasn’t as supported as it is today,” the star said. “You know, to be breastfeeding and then blocking and rehearsing a scene.”

Moore, who shared that the next generation will not have to “strive for as much” since motherhood is now “supported” in Hollywood, recalled feeling like she had to be physically fit for the film before the arrival of Scout.

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“I was going to be in a military uniform, and probably overly anticipated and started working out and trying to get in shape even before she was born,” Moore said. “I did a two-and-a-half-hour hike the day my water broke. I did a 24-mile bike ride, and then was dancing at a reggae club — hence why she came two-and-a-half weeks early.”

Alongside Scout, Moore shares daughters Rumer, 37, and Tallulah, 31, with Willis. (The actor is also dad to daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, whom he shares with wife Emma Heming Willis.)

Since sharing Willis’ diagnosis with aphasia in 2022, Moore has been candid about supporting her ex-husband as he battles the rare form of dementia.

“It’s so important just to meet them where they’re at. Don’t have a particular expectation of them needing to be who they were or who you want them to be,” Moore said during a September podcast appearance. “When you do that, I find that there is an incredible sweetness and something that’s soft and tender and loving. Perhaps it is more playful and child-like in a certain sense because of how much more caretaking they need.”

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Former NY Jets Star Nick Mangold Dead From Complications from Kidney Disease

Former New York Jets star Nick Mangold has died after complications from kidney disease. The team announced the news Sunday, less than two weeks after Mangold publicly revealed he was battling a rare genetic disorder and had been placed on kidney…

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The Chainsmokers’ ‘Breathe’ Release Party Ends with Police Shutdown

The Chainsmokers proved once again they know how to throw a party … maybe too well, as their blowout bash for the release of their latest EP got so wild the police had to intervene … TMZ has learned. Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ……

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Simplex Chithyola Banda into “shortlived triump” for Kasungu South Constituency over handouts claim: Court ruling November 3

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The storm clouds are gathering over Kasungu South as newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Simplex Chithyola faces an election petition that could spend his short-lived parliamentary triumph.

The High Court is set to deliver its ruling on November 3, in a case that has sent tremors through Malawi’s political corridors—one that strikes at the heart of the country’s long-running battle against electoral corruption and the use of handouts to buy votes.

At the centre of the storm is Bishop Joe Manguluti, an independent candidate who narrowly lost to Chithyola in the September 16 polls by just over 500 votes.

Manguluti alleges that Chithyola’s victory was not born of popularity or ideas, but of money and manipulation, claiming the Malawi Congress Party legislator distributed cash and gifts to sway voters.

One of handouts for Chithyola

In his court petition, Manguluti paints a disturbing picture of an election tainted by handouts and threats.

He alleges that Chithyola handed out K50,000 and K10,000 to traditional leaders, teachers, and youths during the campaign, warning recipients that their votes could be tracked and that they would have to repay the money if they dared vote otherwise.

“Some voters were threatened that they would be known if they voted for someone else,” Manguluti’s petition reads. “It was not an election—it was intimidation disguised as generosity.”

The claims, if proven, strike at the foundation of Malawi’s democracy, raising uncomfortable questions about whether cash and coercion are now replacing conviction and community service as the ticket to Parliament.

According to the official results, Chithyola won 12,349 votes to Manguluti’s 11,817—a gap so narrow that even small irregularities could prove decisive.

But with the court now examining the case, Chithyola’s seat hangs in the balance, and the November 3 ruling could decide whether Kasungu South goes back to the ballot.

For now, Chithyola remains MP, with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) lawyer Emmanuel Chapo confirming that no injunction bars him from performing his duties.

But the cloud of uncertainty grows darker by the day.

During the initial hearing, Chithyola’s legal team, led by Wapona Kita, attempted to have the petition thrown out on technical grounds, arguing that Manguluti used the wrong name in the filing—referring to “Simplex Chithyola” instead of his full legal name. The defence also pointed to alleged inconsistencies in sworn statements.

Judge Redson Kapindu, however, adjourned the matter after reprimanding both sides—Manguluti for delaying service of the petition, and Chithyola for failing to file his responses on time. Both have been ordered to pay costs.

The legal wrangling, though procedural, underscores the high stakes and high tension of the case.

For Chithyola, a rising figure in the MCP, the allegations threaten to tarnish not only his personal reputation but also his party’s credibility in upholding clean electoral practices.

Observers say the case reflects a wider crisis in Malawian politics, where handouts and vote-buying have become normalized despite repeated calls for reform.

Civic groups have warned that unless the courts take a firm stand, the practice will entrench a culture of dependency and erode the moral legitimacy of elected leaders.

“This case could become a turning point,” one political analyst noted. “If the court upholds the petition, it will send a strong message that money cannot buy democracy. If it doesn’t, it risks confirming what many Malawians already fear—that elections are for sale to the highest bidder.”

As the date draws closer, tension is mounting in Kasungu South. For Chithyola, the man once celebrated for his grassroots touch, the very acts of generosity that built his brand may now be what unravels it.

Whether the court upholds or nullifies his victory, one thing is certain: the era of handout politics is under scrutiny like never before.

November 3, Malawians will be watching closely—not just to see who wins in Kasungu South, but to see whether the courts will finally draw a bold line between charity and corruption.

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Byson “Fuso Fighter” Gwayani floors Synoden Munyanje in TKO boxing victory

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Brimat Multipurpose Hall was set ablaze with excitement on Sunday night as Kawale’s very own Byson “Fuso Fighter” Gwayani delivered a stunning Technical Knockout (TKO) victory over Blantyre-based Synoden Munyanje in the sixth round of their highly anticipated bout organized by Youth Boxing Promotions.

The event, dubbed “Judgement Day,” attracted hundreds of passionate boxing fans who filled the venue to witness one of the most thrilling local showdowns in recent memory.

Both fighters entered the ring with high confidence, each determined to prove their supremacy in the middleweight division.

From the first bell, Gwayani showcased impressive control and precision.

His movement, timing and quick combinations kept Munyanje on the defensive. Munyanje, however, showed resilience in the early rounds, responding with powerful counterpunches that tested Gwayani’s guard.

As the bout progressed, it became clear that Gwayani’s conditioning and strategy were superior.

In the sixth round, he unleashed a flurry of fierce punches that sent Munyanje staggering backward before collapsing to the canvas.

The referee immediately intervened, signaling a TKO as the crowd erupted into wild celebrations.

Medical personnel quickly attended to Munyanje, who fortunately regained full consciousness after a brief moment of dizziness.

Gwayani, visibly emotional, raised his hands in triumph and later dedicated the win to his fans in Kawale and his late mentor, who he said inspired him to pursue boxing seriously.

“This victory means a lot to me. I trained hard for this fight and I want to thank everyone who believed in me. Munyanje is a strong opponent but tonight was my night,” said Gwayani in a post-fight interview.

Promoter Kelvin Phiri of Youth Boxing Promotions described the fight as a sign that Malawian boxing is growing in both talent and popularity.

“We are proud to see such discipline and competitiveness. Both fighters gave the fans an unforgettable night,” he said.

With this victory, Gwayani strengthens his reputation as one of the rising stars in Malawi’s boxing scene.

Fans are already calling for him to challenge for a national title or even look for regional bouts beyond the country’s borders.

The “Judgement Day” event also featured several undercard fights involving young prospects, proving once again that Malawi’s boxing future looks bright.

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