Malawi groups fail to agree on poll candidate

Malawi's embattled President Bingu Wa Mutharika prospects of survival were given a shot in the arm on Tuesday after the opposition failed to agree on a joint candidate in the next election.

John Tembo, leader of the largest opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), rebuffed calls that he should serve as former president Bakili Muluzi's running mate and intended to spearhead his own quest for power.

"My party will approach the 2009 elections single-handedly. I will not be a running mate to anyone," Tembo told the private Zodiak Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio station.

Muluzi, who stood down in 2004 after two terms in office, has already made clear that he intends to stand against his ally turned rival Mutharika as head of the newly-formed United Democratic Front.

Gwanda Chakuamba, who lost to Mutharika in 2004, has already thrown his support behind Muluzi, telling a rally at the weekend: "If we are not united, we will not be able to oust Mutharika from office."

Elections are not due in the impoverished southern African nation until 2009, but Mutharika's governing coalition is in danger of collapse after a court ruling that is likely to lead to the expulsion of pro-government lawmakers who have switched their loyalties since the last election.