The main opposition leader, Joshua Nkomo, against whose followers the ruling party had fought a bitter war, was bought off with a vice-presidency and a fat salary.
He says that he will present the demands of all the rebels, including a Darfuri vice-presidency, the unification of Darfur into a single state, and compensation for the displaced.
Many Democrats are convinced that he is a shoo-in for the vice-presidency: a working-class southern boy made good who balances Mr Kerry's patrician gravitas with a generous measure of charm.
An obscure ex-governor of Arkansas who is principally famous for losing 110 pounds (50kg), he is now talked of as a candidate for the vice-presidency.
Although a registered Republican, Kirsch has been a supporter of Gore's bid for the presidency since he met the vice president at a Silicon Valley fund-raiser featuring rock star Elton John.
Jimmy Carter elevated the vice presidency into a real position of policy-partnership, giving Walter Mondale an unprecedented role, which led him to be the Democratic presidential nominee in 1984.
"I think a McCain presidency - especially with Ms Palin as vice-president - would be nothing short of catastrophic, " he said.
The vice-presidency is also up for grabs, in a separate vote.
Ugarte is a physician and surgeon who was vice-minister of health in Alejandro Toledo's presidency.
The candidates were each asked if the other would make a good vice-president (both dodged) and if the other could win the presidency as Democratic nominee.
The report, presented to Ms Banda last Wednesday following an official inquiry, alleged that government ministers and other senior officials held a number of secret meetings aimed at preventing Ms Banda - then vice-president - from assuming the presidency in accordance with the constitution, our reporter says.
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