The Democratic Progressive Party President Peter Mutharika appealled to independants like Shariff to support the government.
32 agreed including Shariff, Susan Dossi, Lyana Lexa Tambala, Roseby Gadama and Nancy Chaola Mdooko.
[5] She beat former netball player and captain Emma Chongwe who competed for the post, despite having complained of election irregularities.
[6] Shariff had to pass her own difficult route to election as she had at one point been barred by the previous committee's interpretation of the constitution.
[2] In 2022, Shariff and Minister of Youth and Sports, Richard Chimwendo Banda, persuaded Monica Chakwera, the first lady of Malawi.