By Pemphero Malimba:
Malawi Congress Party secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka has said party leaders will decide on whether to continue working with Tonse Alliance partners in the September 16 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
The party’s convention is slated for August this year.
Mkaka said this on Sunday on the sidelines of the launch of the Jean Sendeza Lilongwe South West Constituency Football and Netball League, which is pegged at K15 million.
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“Our focus now is on the party convention slated for August this year but after the convention the leadership will sit down [and decide] whether it will be necessary to go in partnership with others,” he said.
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Mkaka was quick to express hope on prospects of a continued working partnership with other partners.
“But let me be quick to say that Malawi belongs to all of us. It is not just for Malawi Congress Party; it’s not just for the DPP [Democratic Progressive Party], UTM, PP [People’s Party] or other political parties.
“As such, if there is a need for all of us to hold hands to make sure that we develop the country, we shall do so,” he said.
MCP Central Region governor Zebron Chilondola encouraged people to join the party as its doors were open.
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“MCP is a democratic party and, as such, those who wish to stand on MCP ticket in Local Government and Parliamentary Elections are welcome to join the party regardless of which party they are coming from,” he said. Chilondola has extended the invitation when, at the end of April this year, the party indicated that those that are eligible to contest for positions in the MCP National Executive Committee (Nec) should have been in the party for a minimum of two years.
Three months ago, the MCP Nec reportedly resolved to bring up the eligibility criterion, which sparked controversy as some quarters suspected that particular individuals were being targeted.
The party has seen several notable figures such as former Cabinet ministers, notably Uladi Mussa and Ephraim Mganda Chiume, joining it in recent days.
Late last month, the party formalised what was all along being treated as speculation as it, in a statement, indicated that those who are eligible to contest for Nec positions must have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the party’s values and goals. The statement, which Mkaka signed, indicated that “to ensure a fair and transparent process”, the party has developed a Code of Conduct that all members, including Nec position aspirants, must adhere to.
“This Code of Conduct sets the standards for ethical behaviour and ensures that the convention is conducted with integrity.
“Members can obtain a copy of the Code of Conduct and the necessary nomination forms from the regional chairmen’s offices or the administrative officer at the party’s headquarters, conveniently located in the city centre of Lilongwe,” the statement said.
It added that MCP’s August elective convention is an opportunity for the party to come together as one unified voice and elect leaders who will guide it towards a brighter future.
“The party is committed to a fair and inclusive process, ensuring that all eligible members have an equal chance to contribute and shape the party’s direction.
“By participating in this convention, members can actively participate in the democratic process and help build a stronger and more prosperous [MCP],” the statement said.
And, speaking at the Lilongwe South West Constituency event, Sendeza said she has come up with the league to promote unity among constituents.
“Our President Lazarus Chakwera wants people to be united. As such, I want people in my constituency to be united so that they can effectively contribute to the development of this country,” she said.
Sendeza added that the league would also help the youth focus on sports activities instead of indulging in immoral behaviour.
“I am, therefore, happy to launch the league,” Sendeza said.
During the 2020 elections, MCP went into an alliance with other political parties.
These include UTM, People’s Party (PP), Alliance for Democracy and Umodzi Party, among others.
Recently, PP spokesperson Ackson Kalaile Banda disclosed that delegates to the party’s convention would discuss the issue of the Tonse Alliance’s future during and after its elective convention.
The convention is slated for this year.
