President Lazarus Chakwera faces one of his most delicate political tests since leaving State House — deciding who should carry the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) flag in the forthcoming election for Speaker of Parliament. The decision, though procedural, is deeply symbolic. It will show whether the MCP intends to rebuild from defeat through unity and strategy — or sink deeper into the factional disarray that cost it government.
Several names have been floated, among them former Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale. But while Kawale is intelligent and articulate, this is not the time for experiments or sentimental gestures. What the MCP needs now is proven leadership — a calm but firm hand capable of commanding respect across party lines. And that leader, undeniably, is Catherine Gotani Hara.
Gotani Hara’s previous tenure as Speaker was not flawless, but it was steady, dignified, and principled. She managed a fractious Parliament with balance and fairness, earning respect from both government and opposition benches. In a male-dominated political environment, she led with quiet authority — a stark contrast to the brash and often disrespectful Sameer Suleman.
If President Chakwera and the MCP are serious about regaining relevance, they must rally behind Gotani Hara. With her experience, credibility, and composure, she stands the best chance of winning over independents and securing solidarity from women MPs across the aisle. In a bruising contest, those bridges could make all the difference.
But the MCP’s strategic thinking cannot stop at the Speaker’s chair. Should Gotani reclaim the gavel, attention must immediately shift to the position of Leader of Opposition — a role critical to redefining the party’s parliamentary identity.
For that role, the party’s best bet is Eisenhower Mkaka. He is politically sharp, battle-tested, and understands the party’s soul better than most. Mkaka’s calm intellect and tactical instincts make him well suited to lead a wounded party in Parliament and hold the government accountable with firmness and focus.
Names like Moses Kunkuyu have been mentioned — but only as secondary options. While articulate and loyal, Kunkuyu lacks the grassroots command and broad respect that Mkaka already commands within and beyond the MCP. At this fragile stage, the opposition bench needs a leader who can inspire discipline, coherence, and purpose. Mkaka fits that description perfectly.
Still, all these efforts will fail if MCP continues to be poisoned by internal divisions and unchecked egos. The Secretary General, Richard Chimwendo Banda, must be reined in. His arrogance, favoritism, and short-term political thinking have already cost the party dearly. Too many promising candidates were sidelined in favor of his allies — a move that weakened MCP’s reach and contributed to its electoral defeat.
This is not the time for revenge or ambition-driven politics. It is a time for unity, humility, and smart leadership. The Democratic Progressive Party’s ruthless resurgence demands that MCP secure control of at least one arm of government — and the Speakership offers that lifeline.
Catherine Gotani Hara represents stability and tested leadership. Mkaka represents renewal and strategic depth. Together, they could restore a sense of purpose and credibility to a party that desperately needs both.
President Chakwera must now act with decisiveness — rally his MPs, silence the factions, and throw the full weight of the party behind Gotani Hara for Speaker and Eisenhower Mkaka for Leader of Opposition.
It is the only combination that makes political sense — for the MCP, for Parliament, and for Malawi’s democracy.
