‘Big spenders’ stumble

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) elective convention yesterday ushered new blood into the party’s national executive committee (NEC), resulting in some big casualties and surprising outcomes.

Meanwhile, political analysts  said in separate interviews yesterday that the storm is over in MCP for a season after the contestants accepted the results and everyone is at peace.

The big winners, according to preliminary results, included Speaker of National Assembly Catherine Gotani-Hara, who emerged victorious for the position of first vice-president after beating nine other contestants, and Richard Chimwendo-Banda, who won the race for the post of secretary general (SG) after stunning seven other contestants.

Another significant win was by Jessie Kabwila, who was elected the party’s publicity secretary, beating Ezekiel Ching’oma. Kabwila, who previously defected from the party, returns to the position she once held.

The big casualties included former SG Eisenhower Mkaka and Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola-Banda, both of whom lost to Chimwendo-Banda.

Other big guns who lost to Gotani-Hara are Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba, Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale-Ng’oma and Kezzie Msukwa.

Mumba, Zikhale-Ng’oma, Chithyola-Banda as well as Chimwendo-Banda were seen as the big spenders in the run-up to the elections.

In an interview, Chimwendo-Banda, who previously served as the party’s director of youth, and joined the race late, described the election as a “family affair, and friendly fire”.

He acknowledged the strong competition from capable and experienced politicians, but stressed the importance of unity within the party, urging all members to work together to strengthen it.

He said: “At the end of the day, there is supposed to be one winner. I am here to make the party vibrant, even for those who have failed, let’s work together. MCP is a big party like Zanu-PF [of Zimbabwe] and Frelimo [of Mozambique], and we are determined to win general elections next year.’’

In an interview, a visibly thrilled Gotani-Hara said her primary focus as the first vice-president will be to consolidate the party’s structures to ensure its strength and success in the general elections next year.

She said: “I am very excited and overwhelmed. It can only be God. Thanks to the delegates for what they have done to me. My first task with the new SG is to go on the ground and consolidate structures. If we want to win [in next year’s elections], we have to consolidate the structures.”

In a brief interview, Kabwila committed to ensuring that the achievements of the MCP administration are highlighted to the public.

She noted that there has been a “total blackout on good things” and that the focus has often been on mistakes, which she aims to change.

“Things have changed, now we have a train moving. For example, we have the Malawi School of Government and no one has celebrated that. My agenda is to defend this government on policy and delivery, and winning hearts by evidence,” said Kabwila.

Writing on his Facebook Page, Zikhale-Ng’oma, who was not seen at the venue yesterday, thanked delegates for supporting him on the bold decision he took to contest.

He wrote: “As MCP family, let’s join hands to make sure our party is stronger and help President Lazarus Chakwera in moving the party forward.”

On his part, Msukwa who seemed jovial and satisfied said the results were fair, adding that just like in a game of chess, the one who loses has to shake the hand of the winner.

While Chithyola-Banda was not available for comment, Mumba was seen walking out of the convention venue surrounded by people who looked like bodyguards, just after the unofficial results started trickling in.

In a WhatsApp message later in the day Mumba wrote: “The delegates have spoken and their voice must be respected. What is key is loyalty to the President and the party. Congratulations to all that have won today.”

Mumba was one of 20 candidates who were initially barred from contesting for NEC positions because of the party’s eligibility restriction for people who had not served long enough nor previously held positions in the party.

Political analyst Wonderful Mkhuche said MCP’s next battle is now finding alliance partners for for next year’s elections.

On his part, another analyst George Chaima said those who have lost the elections after dishing out millions of kwacha will slowly begin to mistrust their followers and may wish to approach the days with care to avoid a repeat of loss in 2025. 

‘‘Some will surely develop small scale mental disorders as they don’t believe the loss while others will rage in hostility,” he said. 

One of the aspirants, Eddie Banda, challenged NEC on the restriction and on Tuesday this week, the High Court ruled in his favour, paving the way for 19 others to contest in the elections. 

The announcement of the results was characterised by cheers and boos.  

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) yesterday announced results of 11 positions, which included John Paul as treasurer general, lawyer George Kadzipatike, who was also initially barred from elections, won as legal adviser while the position of director of economic affairs was taken by Henry Mumba.

Other winners included director of women affairs Jean Sendeza, director of public relations Sam Kawale, director of elections Elias Chakwera and organising secretary Deus Gumba.

The MCP convention, which began with elections running non-stop through Thursday night, will resume at 8am today.

The party aims to finalise the election of the remaining seven positions, with the possibility of extending the convention by a day.