MALAWI: Northern Bloc Shocked as DPP Backs Musowa For Deputy Speaker

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The Northern Region bloc, comprising about 37 Members of Parliament (MPs) who had endorsed Mzimba North MP Catherine Mzumara of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) for the position of First Deputy Speaker, has expressed surprise at the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) decision to back a different candidate.

The DPP has instead nominated Mulanje Bale MP, Victor Musowa, for the post.

Speaking on behalf of the bloc on Sunday, Karonga Central MP Frank Mwenifumbo said the DPP had earlier pledged to support a candidate from the North for the position of First Deputy Speaker.

Despite the setback, Mwenifumbo confirmed that the bloc will continue to support Sameer Suleman for the position of Speaker of the National Assembly.

When contacted, Mzumara, who also serves as UTM Party Vice President for the North, vowed to press on, saying, “I will fight to the end.”

In a separate interview, DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba confirmed the party’s official nominations Sameer Suleman for Speaker of Parliament, Victor Musowa for First Deputy Speaker, and Esther Jolobala for Second Deputy Speaker.

“I will not comment much on the issue of the Northern Region bloc; let me just speak on the decision the party has made,” said Namalomba.

The elections for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions are scheduled to take place on October 29, 2025.