From the build-up to last year‘s convention to the ongoing primary elections in some constituencies, the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has all the marks of a house on fire. But is President Lazarus Chakwera aware of the storm that threatens to blow the country‘s oldest party to bits? Our Staff Writer SUZGO CHITETE takes the big questions to MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwira. Excerpts.
As primaries continue to identify MCP candidates for the September 16 General Election, there are reports of widespread grievances among the party‘s aspirants across various constituencies regarding the handling of these make-or-break polls. What exactly is happening within the party?
There’s no denying that some concerns have been raised— and yes, some are genuine. But others are being exaggerated or distorted, mostly by the opposition, to make it appear as though MCP is engulfed in chaos. While I don’t have all the verified data at this point, I can say with confidence that a lot of the noise is politically motivated. However, we can’t pretend there are no internal disagreements. It’s public knowledge. There has been some infighting and jostling. No honest MCP publicity secretary would refute that. But these issues are normal. In any organisation where human beings are involved, expect differing views and occasional tensions.
Do you consider the MCP primaries to have been fair and credible, including in your own constituency where you emerged the winner?
Yes, I do. MCP has done a commendable job in promoting transparency in its internal electoral processes. We are the only party so far that has conducted primaries using a secret ballot. No other party has taken that step. We’ve also worked hard to limit corruption in the primaries by ensuring the party, not individual candidates, handled the transportation of ballots and voting materials. In places where challenges occurred, including violence, we held follow-up meetings and created roadmaps for resolving those issues. So while the process was not flawless, it was more credible than what most political parties have managed.
But doesn’t the infighting in MCP go beyond the primaries? Isn’t this damaging for a governing party?
Yes, we have had internal differences, but it’s not something to cause panic. MCP is a big, attractive and successful party. You cannot expect such a vibrant political organisation to run without disagreements. Even in the DPP, similar cracks have appeared. What matters is how the party handles them, and I believe MCP is doing well in managing the situation.
How do you deal with public utterances by senior party officials like threats issued by Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma that seem to target fellow party members?
Such utterances are not unique to MCP. You will find similar situations in other parties too. The only difference is that MCP is the most closely watched party in the country. It’s the mother of all political parties in Malawi. What Ching’oma or [Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko] Mumba might say reflects internal dynamics, not a collapse. Despite those views, they are both still campaigning for MCP and President Chakwera.
Given such public disagreements, how do you move forward as a united front?
The good thing is that despite our differences, we are all working toward the same goal—re-electing President Lazarus Chakwera in 2025. That’s what matters most. Look at Ching’oma and Mumba—they are both on the ground, campaigning for the party. That shows we are still united in purpose. MCP is strong and focused on winning the elections.
Some of these differences or conflicts involve Cabinet ministers. How would you describe the working relationship within President Lazarus Chakwera‘s Cabinet?
The working relationship in the Cabinet is good. Like I said, we are united by a shared passion to stop the DPP from returning to power and to keep President Chakwera in office. Differences will always be there, whether you are in government or not. We have intelligent individuals in the Cabinet, so naturally, we won’t always agree. But that doesn’t mean we are divided.
But should those differences go as far as attacking each other on social media, like what happened with Mumba over the trade wrangle with Tanzania?
The issue is not that members hold different positions. That’s expected. The challenge is when those disagreements are aired on social media. But even in governments like the US, Cabinet members disagree on policies like tariffs and trade. It’s not unique to Malawi. What we should work on is resolving issues internally, not publicly.
Is President Chakwera, as party leader and the Head of State and Government, aware of these internal tensions?
Yes, he is very aware. If you’ve been following the President’s speeches at the convention and in various forums, you will see that he is in full control. He understands that wherever power and resources are involved, differences will emerge. But he is focused on development. That’s why we’re seeing visible projects from Nsanje to Chitipa. He’s delivering despite the challenges.
How soon do you expect the party to resolve these internal conflicts ahead of the 2025 elections which are less than 130 days away?
Very soon. The issues are not as big as they are being portrayed. Let us avoid giving them undue mileage. What I can say is that we are well-prepared for the 50+1 elections and are moving forward as a united front.
