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Joyce Banda likely to win in 2014 - afro-barometer poll

6 September 2012 Times

President Joyce Banda is likely to win the 2014 presidential elections with a small margin, a survey by Afrobarometer, a leading African think tank has indicated.

According to one of Afro barometer's lead investigators in Malawi, Joseph Chunga from Chancellor College, the poll indicated that the People's Party (PP) is the most supported party trailed by former ruling parties Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF).

He said among other findings, the poll shows Malawians also want implementation of section 65 provision of the Constitution.

"The results showed that slightly under half – 46 percent – of likely voters would have voted for PP presidential candidate if elections were held mid 2012. Unless there are real shocks on the political scene, this can also reflect on the 2014 polls," Chunga said.

He indicated that the think tank will hold another survey next year on the same elections.

However, reacting to the survey, DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi questioned its credibility, saying the results were not a reflection of the facts on the ground.

Dausi said Malawians were unhappy with the current administration, citing remarks by Consumers Association of

Malawi Executive Director John Kapito who has called for the government to step down for failing to address economic hardships.

"Where on earth there are everyday strikes and insecurity issues and you still put faith in such a government? In this view of the current situation, we are now beginning to doubt the credibility of this survey. This survey is incorrect, political and full of conjecture. I don't trust it," Dausi said.

MCP president John Tembo yesterday reacted briefly: "Whatever they say, 2014 is not here, do you want me to speculate? I am confident the Malawi Congress Party will do well."

However, a UDF senior official Sam Mpasu said he was not surprised that his party was ranked third, saying the divisions in the party were taking its toll.

"Afrobarometer is a very professional body and I respect it. The results are credible," Mpasu said.

The Afrobarometer has previously predicted past Malawi elections including former ruling party DPP's landslide victory in the 2009 elections.