Former Malawi President Dr. Joyce Banda has picked economist Dr. Jerry Jana as her running mate in the May 21, 2019 polls.

Dr. Jana is also ex-diplomat and former Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) Chief Executive Officer.

The People’s Party (PP) presidential aspirant on Tuesday presented her nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) at Comesa Hall in Blantyre.

The move comes barely days after announcing on the BBC that she will not contest for Malawi presidency.

Banda announced that her party would instead back UTM president Dr Saulos Chilima in the May 21, 2019 polls under UTM, PP, Tikonze, and Aford Alliance.

But on Monday the ex-Malawi president’s party announced its withdrawal the alliance, citing betrayal by UTM on the issue of running mate.

Speaking at Comesa Hall, Dr. Banda said that she remains committed to promoting the welfare of women in the country.

The PP leader said that as Malawi leader she was able to achieve a 6.3 % economic growth rate through the Economic Recovery Plan and a turn round for the economy.