The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has declared that it will not welcome into its ranks individuals who were once members of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) or those known for shifting political allegiance whenever there is a change of government, describing them as “political opportunists.”
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said the party has a clear policy that bars individuals who previously served in the MCP government, as well as habitual party defectors, from joining the DPP.
Namalomba argued that those who participated in the MCP-led administration contributed to the country’s economic and social hardships, accusing them of mismanaging national affairs.
“These people destroyed our property, attacked our members, and now that the elections are over, they want to join our party? We know they are greedy, Our leader, Arthur Peter Mutharika, has made it clear that he does not want greedy individuals in his government. He wants people who are ready to serve Malawians.” said Namalomba.
However, MCP Deputy Publicity Secretary Ken Msonda dismissed the DPP’s position as unnecessary finger-pointing, urging the opposition to focus on addressing issues affecting citizens.
“The campaign period is over; let’s look ahead. We cannot stop people from leaving or joining political parties. Even now, some Members of Parliament who won under other parties are joining the MCP, while others are moving to the DPP. That’s normal in politics,” said Msonda.
Commenting on the matter, political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche commended the DPP’s stance, saying it could help curb political opportunism—a growing trend where individuals switch parties merely to remain close to power.
Mkhutche, however, cautioned that such policies often fail to bring meaningful reform unless supported by strong internal structures and consistent enforcement.
“All political parties should establish internal regulations that discourage frequent party-hopping among politicians,” he advised.
The DPP’s declaration comes amid reports that several politicians from various parties have recently defected to the opposition, reigniting national debate over loyalty, integrity, and the moral conduct of political leaders within Malawi’s multiparty democracy.
