Red was the colour yesterday as Malawi Congress Par t y (MCP) nationa l headquarters in City Centre, Lilongwe transformed into a sea of people ahead of President Lazarus Chakwera’s presentation of nomination papers to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
Despite the programme indicating that the President would submit his papers from 1.30 pm, hundreds of MCP supporters started flocking to the place as early as 8am. Some made it on foot while others were ferried in truckloads waving f lags, blowing whist l es and chanting “Boma ndi lomweli , sitiku sintha ! [We are not changing this government!]”
In the MCP headquarters compound, secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda took charge of logistics, directing the largely orderly group of supporters and overseeing the distribution of new party-branded T-shirts and caps as well as food packs while loud disco music filled the air.
By midday, the festivities at the MCP headquarters had gathered momentum with hundreds still queuing to get their share of the day’s offerings.
In an interview, MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila said the mobilisation was not just a show of strength but a testimony of trust.
“This event is merely to organise our supporters, making sure they have all arrived safely as we prepare to march together as one family to escort our President. We came here confident,” she said.
As Chakwera’s motorcade l e ft Kamuzu Palace for the Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc), with him personally driving a monarchy-like wagon, crowds lined the streets waving flags and chanting MCP slogans.
Upon reaching the Bicc gates, Chakwera disembarked from the wagon and climbed atop his open Land Rover up to Bicc auditorium entrance where he was joined by MCP vice-president Catherine Gotani Hara and Minister of Trade and Indust r y Vitumbiko Mumba, the two individuals strongly rumoured to be his running mate.
Meanwhile, moment s before Chakwera entered the auditorium, a brief episode of chaos unfolded as scores of MCP supporters overwhelmed security personnel and forced their way in to secure the best possible view of the nomination ceremony.
This was the second time in this year’s the presidential nomination process that security was breached at the venue. The first was when former president Peter Mutharika presented his papers and his entourage subjugated official security and disrupted accredited media coverage.
