Gwanda Chakuamba

Gwandaguluwe "Gwanda" Chakuamba Phiri (4 April 1934[citation needed] – 24 October 2016) was a Malawian politician who was the leader of the New Republican Party (NRP).

Gwanda Chakuamba attended Zomba Catholic Secondary School, a 2 year metriculation at Sulosi College in Bulawayo Zimbabwe before proceeding to the US to study law though not much is known about whether he did a degree program or a short course.

During the rule of President Hastings Kamuzu Banda, he held many cabinet positions and was Commander of the MCP youth group Malawi Young Pioneers.

The move created serious divisions within the MCP because Chakuamba didn't select his political rival and fellow party member John Tembo to be his running mate.

[1] Despite declarations from international observers that the elections were largely free and fair, the MCP-AFORD coalition filed two petitions with the high court, challenging Muluzi's victory and the results in 16 districts claiming irregularities.

In October 2002, Chakuamba was briefly arrested (before being freed on bail), accused of forging a letter purported to be from Muluzi that offered bribes to members of parliament if they would support his attempt to change the constitution to run for a third term as president.

[4] In early June, however, Chakuamba dropped his threat to challenge the result and agreed to support Mutharika's government;[5] he did not receive a cabinet position, but three other members of the RP did.