Africa-Press – Malawi. Today is September 16, 2024. In exactly one year from today, Malawians will line up at various polling centres to cast their votes in the September 16, 2025 General Elections.
Speaking to the major political parties, they all claim to be geared up for the polls.
Governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) secretary general (SG) Richard Chimwendo Banda told The Daily Times Sunday that the party is prepared for the elections.
Chimwendo Banda stated that the MCP has laid the foundation for the country’s development and expects to be granted another term in office.
He claimed that President Lazarus Chakwera, who is also the party’s leader, is undertaking development activities without regard to regional affiliation.
“He has proven that he can build roads in Karonga, Kasungu, Blantyre, Machinga and across the country. He is a leader who is revitalising the economy by restoring the railway line, promoting the construction industry and revitalising agriculture. Consider the megafarms,” Chimwendo Banda said.
He added that, over the past years, Malawi has faced a number of external shocks, asserting that Chakwera has managed to steer the country towards progress despite the turbulence.
Shadreck NamalombaWhen asked whether the party will go it alone in the 2025 elections, the MCP SG said the party will not stand alone, as it “will be with the Malawian people”.
For his part, opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Shadric Namalomba described the period leading to the 2025 elections as critical for the party as it prepares and strategises for the polls.
He said that after the convention, where Mutharika’s candidacy was confirmed, DPP is now focused on mobilising resources and encouraging voters to register and vote.
“We are also engaging with the citizens of Malawi, empathising with their struggles and sharing our vision and plans to improve their lives.
“With confidence, we can say that we have a credible track record and trusted leadership that will bring positive change to Malawi,” Namalomba said.
He added that his party is determined to restore the economy, provide opportunities for the youth, empower women and promote equality for all Malawians.
“We demand that every Malawian be given the right to vote and we will not allow the National Registration Bureau to deny them this constitutional right. We are ready for a fair and just election. And we are winning,” Namalomba said.
UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala also stated that his party is prepared for the 2025 elections and is entering a critical phase.
“We have to do it for this country,” Njawala said in a brief response.
Political analyst George Chaima expressed scepticism that a single political party will secure an outright majority in the 2025 polls.
Chaima suggested that going to the polls without forming an electoral alliance would be a perilous choice and could deliberately lead to a waste of public resources, potentially necessitating a re-run.
“None of our political parties currently has the popularity to pull together voters for a 50 percent plus one victory.
“Forging an alliance requires unquestionable trust among alliance partners. The Tonse Alliance administration betrayed that trust,” he said, referring to the disagreements that led to almost all partners leaving the pact.
Another political analyst, Chimwemwe Tsitsi, concurred with Chaima, adding that, as things stand, it is doubtful that a single party can secure 50 percent plus one vote.
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