By Wadza Botomani
Former Malawian Vice President Everton Chimulirenji has left the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and joined the United Transformation Movement (UTM), marking a major political shift ahead of the upcoming elections. Chimulirenji, who previously represented Ntcheu North West Constituency, said he made the decision after consulting his constituents and seeking “peace of mind” following disputes within the DPP.
Chimulirenji had initially won the DPP primary elections, defeating Jane Ansah, the former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson. However, the DPP later overturned his victory and endorsed Ansah as its candidate, prompting Chimulirenji to first declare he would run as an independent before ultimately defecting to UTM. He is expected to be officially welcomed into UTM and will stand as its parliamentary candidate in the next elections.
This move highlights growing divisions within the DPP, where Chimulirenji had previously warned of factionalism. His defection also adds an interesting twist to Malawi’s political landscape, given his role in the controversial 2019 elections—later nullified by court—and his rivalry with Ansah, who was at the center of the election dispute.
Chimulirenji briefly served as vice president under Peter Mutharika before the election results were overturned. His switch to UTM now tests whether he can revive his political career or further alienate voters amid Malawi’s increasingly competitive electoral environment.
