Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has described as “normal in a democracy” the resignation of its deputy secretary general Gerald Kazembe who has cited post-September 16 General Election dynamics as some of the reasons.
However, MCP secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda said in an interview on Sunday that Kazembe should have used internal channels to address suggestions for soul-searching within the party’s rank and file.
He said: “I can confirm that I have received his resignation notice. It is normal in democracy when someone says they cannot continue on a leadership position and still wants to be a member of the party. We thank him for working hard for the party and always being available.
“We have so many hardworking members across the country who do not hold any position. We take solace in that and the party will continue being vigilant on the ground.”
In a statement dated March 14 2026 addressed to Chimwendo Banda, Kazembe, who is Mangochi Monkey Bay legislator, said he decided to step down after careful reflection on the current direction and internal dynamics in the party following its loss in the September 16 General Election.
He reaffirmed his continued membership in MCP, but challenged the party to embrace strategic renewal, saying its history and legacy cannot be undervalued by leaders he described as “greedy and mediocre”.
Said Kazembe: “My decision reflects a sincere belief that the moment before us requires honest introspection, organisational renewal and a renewed culture of accountability and unity within the party.”
Reacting to the development, political analyst Ernest Thindwa said all indications in recent days pointed to Kazembe’s resignation, describing the move as not surprising.
Last week, Kazembe publicly told his constituents that he will work with President Peter Mutharika to promote development in the area.
In February, he was among some MCP legislators who boycotted a parliamentary caucus convened by party leader and the country’s former president Lazarus Chakwera in Lilongwe.
The perceived boycott came against a background of growing voices of discontent and division within the main opposition party following a leaked memo allegedly written by Leader of Opposition in Parliament Simplex Chithyola Banda addressed to Chakwera on January 29 2026.
