Abstract

This study examines the impact of Malawi’s transition from a First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system to the 50+1 majority system on the strategic behaviours of major political parties, specifically the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), during the 2019 and 2020 Presidential elections. The research focuses on three critical dimensions of party strategy: the nature of political alliances, campaign messaging, and the composition of party politburos. The study finds that the 50+1 system incentivized coalition-building, broader messaging, and recalibration of leadership structures within parties. These changes suggest a shift in the logic of party competition under a majoritarian electoral framework. The study recommends future research on the institutionalization and sustainability of electoral alliances under the 50+1 system.

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School	: School of Law, Economics and Government
Issued Date	: 2025

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