Only People’s Transformation Party (Petra) president Kamuzu Chibambo attended yesterday’s prayers the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) General Assembly organised despite all presidential aspirants being invited to the event.
Held under the theme Together for One Malawi: Peace and Unity Above Politics, the prayers, held in Mzuzu, attracted Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda and Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara, among other high-profile attendees.
But secretary general for the general assembly, the Reverend Mwawi Chilongozi said during a press briefing held on Friday that three of the 15 presidential candidates had confirmed to attend the prayers
They were UTM’s Dalitso Kabambe, Cassim Chilumpha of Assembly for Democracy and Development and independent candidate Hardwick Kaliya.
Speaking in an interview after the prayers, Chilongozi said some aspirants sent an apology but others did not communicate.
She said: “I know some gave apologies, but others failed. Basically, I cannot give reasons why they failed but they never communicated to us. But we are glad that some came.”
In a separate interview, Chibambo said the prayers were crucial for all presidential hopefuls to attend as the country heads to the elections.
“I came here to honour an invitation from the general assembly. I understand this invitation went to all presidential aspirants.
“I do not know what has happened but these prayers were very important, being held as the campaign is about to start. The message resonated with everyone irrespective of religious or political background,” he said.
Chibambo further stressed the need to uphold peace and condemned political violence which he said had already been linked to the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
He said he had hoped that MCP and DPP aspirants Lazarus Chakwera and Peter Mutharika, respectively would attend the event.
“You recall that MCP secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda made a startling statement in Parliament that the parties perpetrating violence are two, namely MCP and DPP.
“I had hoped these two parties would be present here because the message was touching and very relevant. We want people to win fairly and squarely not because of violence,” said Chibambo..
Commenting in her capacity as MCP first deputy president, Gotani Hara assured Malawians a peaceful election campaign.
“Malawi Electoral Commission is launching the campaign on Monday. Let us campaign based on issues. Let us not provoke each other in our messaging. Let us campaign within our limits.
“Let us remember that everyone has a right to choose a political party they want to support. Just because someone has decided to support a party different from mine, that does not make them my enemy. It is also my plea to our supporters not to provoke each other,” she said.
Reading a statement during the prayer service, Chilongozi said as a general assembly, they believe in fostering a culture of tolerance during elections.
She said actors in the general election should provide a safe environment and called on political leaders to uphold peace and stand against violence.
“Conflicts should be addressed amicably. All Malawians should promote peace, respect and unity. This is a pledge that we shall uphold peace,” said Chilongozi.
On Thursday, Kabambe said the September 16 2025 General Election offers Malawians an opportunity for a fresh start to overcome a myriad of challenges they are grappling with.
The former Reserve Bank of Malawi governor said this at St. Michael and All Angels Multipurpose Hall in Blantyre where he attended special prayers for the elections organised by CCAP Blantyre Synod.
“This year’s elections have brought us together on a point of decision; whether we should progress or retrogress. The elections are very crucial and we need to hit the reset button,” he said.
Kabambe, who was the only one of the 15 presidential aspirants who have so far collected nomination papers at the prayers, said it was sad that despite Malawi being endowed with resources, leaders have failed to transform the country and instead opt to loot taxes for self-enrichment.
