By Burnett Munthali
Some senior members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), including Beni Phiri and Sameer Suleman, have arrived at the headquarters of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) in Lilongwe.
Their presence at the AFORD offices has sparked considerable political interest as Malawians await crucial updates ahead of the September 2025 elections.
The meeting is expected to set the tone for potential realignments within Malawi’s political landscape, as various parties continue to explore strategic alliances to bolster their chances at the polls.
According to Amatullah Maluwa, the Publicity Secretary for AFORD, the press briefing scheduled at the party’s headquarters will address the party’s official position regarding electoral alliances.
She indicated that AFORD has concluded its internal consultations and is ready to make a public announcement about its next political move.
There has been growing speculation about whether AFORD will join forces with any of the major parties, particularly the DPP, which is aiming for a strong comeback in the 2025 elections.
The visit by Beni Phiri and Sameer Suleman—both prominent DPP figures—suggests that talks between the two parties may be at an advanced stage.
AFORD has long maintained a strategic presence in Malawian politics, particularly in the Northern Region, and any endorsement or alliance it offers could significantly shift the balance of power.
The press briefing is expected to clarify AFORD’s direction and whether it will maintain its independent path or merge efforts with a larger political force.
As Malawi heads into a critical electoral period, alliances will play a decisive role in determining who controls Parliament and ultimately the presidency.
Analysts say the political arithmetic for 2025 will likely rely more on coalition-building than ever before, given the fragmentation of support among several emerging and traditional parties.
While DPP supporters hope for a potential boost in numbers through a union with AFORD, critics argue that such alliances must be based on shared policy priorities rather than mere electoral convenience.
Both parties have remained tight-lipped about the specific agenda of today’s discussions, heightening the suspense surrounding the upcoming announcement.
The outcome of the press briefing could either confirm a new political chapter or reaffirm each party’s independent course.
Whatever the outcome, the presence of high-level DPP officials at AFORD headquarters is a clear indication of the seriousness of the ongoing political maneuvering.
Malawians will be watching closely as the events unfold, with expectations high that the decisions made today will shape the trajectory of the 2025 general elections.
