Unity has resurfaced in the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as factions between Kondwani Nankhumwa and George Chaponda have finally agreed that Nankhumwa should be maintained as Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

The reconciliation follows mediation talks that both sides held in the capital Lilongwe presided over by High Court judge Kenyatta Nyirenda.

The parties also agreed the withdrawal of the name of Chaponda as opposition leader who was recently elected by some DPP lawmakers in Mangochi.

In an interview, the Party’s National Director of Legal Affairs Charles Mhango, who was also on the Chaponda camp said Nankhumwa will continue serving as opposition leader till the Party elects next opposition leader.

“Of course at the moment, honourable Nankhumwa will continue to be leader of opposition up until the Party decides who will be the next leader of opposition in case the Party decides to change but I have got no position on that matter because it will be up to the Party to decide,” Mhango said.

On his part, Cassius Chidothe, one of the lawyers representing Nankhumwa said the meeting that saw the election of Chaponda has now been nullified.

He said: “The DPP preferred a proposal to say that they want the meeting that took place electing Chaponda and removing Nankhumwa as LOP, that decision must be set aside, it should be withdrawn and the meeting that also took place should be nullified, that’s exactly why the claimants were in court.”

On their part, the 22 DPP legislators who sought an order of interlocutory injunction through their lawyer Wapona Kita said the lawmakers have welcomed the decision.

“We are happy that the other party has understood, I think there is now maturity in what has happened, the case has been settled,” cheerfully said Kita.

According to a statement issued by DPP presidential spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, the Party leadership will advise on the date and venue of the next election.