Malawi: Corruption-Busting President Tries to Forge New Party

Will they or won't they? This question is on the lips of political observers in Malawi at present, as they wait to see whether substantial numbers of ruling coalition or opposition members will support the country's newest political grouping: the Democratic Progressive Party. At stake is the future of party founder, President Bingu wa Mutharika, who resigned from the United Democratic Front (UDF) earlier this month. The UDF, which only controls 49 of 193 parliamentary seats after last year's general and by-elections, rules Malawi with support from other political parties and independent legislators.