Mutharika settles for Jane Ansah as running mate in September polls

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President Peter Mutharika has settled for Dr. Jane Ansah who once served as Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) as his running mate in the forthcoming September 16 general elections.

Mutharika, who served as Malawi’s President from 2014 to 2020, submitted his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Thursday at the Bingu wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

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Speaking during the ceremony, Mutharika said he chose Dr. Jane Ansah because of her maturity, experience, integrity, and deep love for the country.

Mutharika who was welcomed by hundreds of DPP supporters also praised her as a God-fearing individual who shares his vision of rebuilding Malawi.

“In choosing a running mate, I wanted somebody who is mature, someone who can assist me in running this country. Dr. Ansah is also a bishop and a person of integrity. I believe she can contribute so much to this country,” said Mutharika.

The former Head of State highlighted their longstanding professional relationship, dating back to when he was Minister of Justice and Ansah served as Attorney General.

He also defended her controversial past as MEC Chairperson, saying the 2019 elections she oversaw were hailed by international observers as credible and well-managed.

“In fact, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Comesa all acknowledged that the 2019 election was one of the best administered. It was only nullified through malice,” Mutharika argued.

Mutharika, now aged 85, said he has nothing personal to gain by returning to the presidency but felt compelled to answer the call of Malawians who have urged him to rescue the country from what he described as poverty, exclusion, fear, and misgovernance.

“I’m standing as a candidate because many Malawians have asked me to do so. Personally, I have nothing to gain from standing again. But I’ve decided to join the race to try to rescue this country because I love this country and I love you all,” said Mutharika.

He said Malawi is currently at its worst point since independence, citing a crumbling economy, a weak currency, and a high cost of living.

Mutharika promised that the DPP is the only solution to the country’s crisis.

“Give us power and we will change the course of this country. I’ve done it before—we saved this country in 2014, and we can do it again,” he declared.

Mutharika also called for unity within the DPP, urging those who had hoped to be his running mate to rally behind Ansah for the sake of victory.

“If I didn’t pick you, it doesn’t mean you’re not important. Let’s work together with Dr. Ansah so that we win this election. If we unite, we shall win,” he said.

With his nomination now official, Mutharika joins the 2025 presidential race on a platform of restoration, promising a return to economic stability and national unity under a DPP-led government.