“If you can’t beat them, join them”, says an age-long advice. It appears that Malawi’s ruling party, the MCP, has pronounced is a beneficiary of the saying as it has today welcomed a couple of high-profile defectors from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Political analysts have highlighted that the development further bolsters the MCP’s political standing ahead of the next year’s election showdown.
The welcoming event, presided over by the head of State and Government, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, saw the likes of former DPP Secretary General Glezelder Jeffrey, former DPP Regional Governor for the East, Imran Mtenje, and former DPP Publicity Secretary Dr. Heatherwick Ntaba, among others, joining the MCP ranks.
Speaking at a well-attended rally in Lilongwe, President Chakwera reiterated his commitment to the development of Malawi, despite facing economic challenges. He thanked Malawians for their continued support and urged party leaders to encourage voter registration and participation in the upcoming 2025 general elections.
Chakwera also called for a respectful mourning of the late Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, cautioning against the exploitation of his name for political gain. The new MCP members, including musician Skeffa Chimoto and former DPP Deputy Director of Legal Affairs Oscar Asima Taulo, expressed their gratitude for being welcomed into the MCP fold and pledged to work tirelessly for the party.
MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda criticized opposition parties for using Chilima’s name for political mileage and praised President Chakwera’s fair distribution of national resources. He expressed confidence in an MCP victory in the 2025 elections.
Local Member of Parliament Nancy Tembo attributed the rally’s success to venerated President Chakwera’s clean and nation-centric politics which has permitted equal distribution of development projects, including the increase in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations.
Senior Chief Tsabango also praised the President’s Mega Farm initiative, development projects, and social financial support through the Mtukula pa Khomo Program.
The high-profile defections and the party’s renewed momentum suggest that the MCP is well-positioned to maintain its grip on power in the upcoming elections, as it seeks to build on its previous electoral success.
