The party was formed in February 2005 by Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika after a dispute with the United Democratic Front (UDF), which was led by his predecessor, Bakili Muluzi.

In October 2008, the DPP's national governing council unanimously chose Mutharika as the party's candidate for the May 2009 presidential election.

Bintony Kutsaira, who was secretary general of the party, was moved to the Office of the President and Cabinet and replaced by Wakuda Kamanga.

Former finance minister Goodall Gondwe was named first vice-president, replacing Joyce Banda who was dismissed from the party in December 2010 for "anti-party activities".

The new DPP politburo after the shuffle: Regional Governors: All above results come from election reports on the Malawi Electoral Commission website.