Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola- Banda has become a target of political violence.
Recently, an unruly gang caused chaos at the venue where the minister launched his manifesto in Santhe, Kasungu District. This is the constituency where Chithyola- Banda is campaigning to retain his parliamentary seat.
The constituency shares boundary with Lilongwe Chilobwe Constituency which is a stronghold of MCP. President Lazarus Chakwera comes from this Kasiya area. Lawrence Chaziya has been declared winner as Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Chilobwe because he faced no contenders.
Given the stronghold nature of MCP politics in the Kasiya- Santhe area, one wonders what could be the source of the political chaos that disrupted the rally organised by Chithyola- Banda. However, just like all forms of political violence that have taken place in other places, this incident in Santhe equally needs to be condemned in the strongest terms.
Power politics may help to explain this occurrence. This is in view of the strategic position that Chithyola-Banda occupies as a senior Cabinet minister. The power tussles within MCP may be shifting focus beyond the September 16 polls. There is more at stake in terms of governance of the party towards 2030 elections.
This scenario is a small reflection of the tantrums that MCP running-mate Vitumbiko Mumba endured in his constituency in Mzimba. Chithyola-Banda and Mumba represent some of the progressive minds in MCP, and they represent a new identity for rebranding of the party.
The progressive changes and reforms which these youthful leaders champion may not be pleasant to some old guard and traditional minds within MCP. It is, therefore, not strange that regardless of MCP’s dominance in Santhe area, Chithyola-Banda may encounter such small pockets of resistance.
Chithyola-Banda might also have outsmarted his opponents when he used several podiums to drive the narrative of One Malawi, One People, and One Nation. This narrative elevates him from constituency level politics to national and international level recognition. The ‘One Malawi’ mantra is necessary for addressing the economic challenges Malawians are facing.
Ch i t hyola-Banda ha s addressed several audiences on the state of the economy with calm and humility. He took advantage of podiums to emphasise his philosophy of One Malawi, One people, and One Nation. In doing so, the minister also implies that unity is key to resolving Malawi’s fiscal crisis.
This includes assurances on how the forex crisis can be addressed partly by applying the One Malawi, One People and One Nation philosophy. Chityhola-Banda’s philosophy of national economic unity can also help to address Malawi’s crippling debt crisis.
To a greater extent, Chithyola- Banda speaks to the importance of social inclusion for the holistic development of youths, women, persons with disability, and other marginalised groups in society. His mantra has the potential to dismantle this inequality trap. The One Malawi, One People philosophy can also help to unite Malawians in our common resolve to fight corruption.
These are possible scenarios and occurrences that could stir political trouble in the face of the Finance minister. However, Chithyola-Banda has proved that if disruptive politics is taken out of Malawi society, we can build a better Malawi together in the spirit of One Malawi, One People and One Nation.
Malawi Police Service should swiftly act against perpetrators of the Santhe violence. It is a serious concern that police have been slow to act, and in some cases have not even made arrests on thugs allegedly perpetrating violence. Peace and tolerance are important in the run up to the September 16 elections. Violence is a threat to democracy and development.
