By Jones Gadama
In a shocking turn of events, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament, Salim Bagus, has announced that he will be running as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections.
Bagus, who represents the Chikwawa Central constituency, cited irregularities in the party’s primary elections as the reason for his decision.
According to Bagus, the primary elections were marred by mismanagement and internal conflicts. He claimed that some areas were not represented, and the presiding officer failed to effectively manage the process.
Furthermore, Bagus pointed out discrepancies between the names of delegates on the list and those on their National IDs, which led to his withdrawal from the primaries.
The decision to run as an independent candidate is a significant development in Malawi’s political landscape.
Bagus’s move is likely to have implications for the DPP’s chances in the Chikwawa Central constituency, where he has been serving as the MP.
Bagus’s decision highlights the challenges faced by political parties in Malawi, particularly in conducting free and fair primary elections.
The irregularities cited by Bagus are not unique to the DPP, as many parties in Malawi have struggled with internal conflicts and electoral disputes.
As an independent candidate, Bagus will have the opportunity to appeal directly to the voters, without the constraints of party affiliation.
His decision to run independently may attract support from voters who are disillusioned with the traditional parties or seeking alternative leadership.
