The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has pulled out of the upcoming presidential debates, saying the process lacks credibility, transparency, and inclusivity.
Publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwila, who is also Minister of Higher Education, told reporters at party headquarters in Lilongwe that President Lazarus Chakwera remains committed to open dialogue, but cannot take part in a debate “shrouded in secrecy and confusion.”
“President Dr Lazarus Chakwera respects access to information, he likes to go to parliament to answer questions from Members of Parliament and champions for press freedom and strongly supports initiatives such as presidential debates,” Kabwila said. “But MCP was not told details of what the debate is all about and who the participants are, and the presidential debate task force lacks transparency, accountability and inclusivity.”
Kabwila said the party had engaged the task force and other stakeholders, but walked away unsatisfied. “Such an initiative requires a consultative process for credibility and trustworthiness,” she added.
Analysts note the decision fits into a broader campaign strategy: Chakwera is keeping his focus on the people, working the ground village by village, like a farmer sowing seeds before the rains. Mutharika, at 84, has barely been seen in public, drawing comparisons to “an old tree that cannot grow new fruit.”
Kabwila also praised Chakwera for his gesture of respect toward past leaders by renaming key infrastructure. Chileka International Airport now carries the name of Bakili Muluzi, the Area 18 Interchange has been christened Arthur Peter Interchange, and the Lilongwe Bypass Road near the Bunda Turn-off is now Joyce Banda Highway.
“By renaming such places, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has stressed his commitment to honouring and recognising their developments while they were serving the country,” Kabwila said.
The debates, scheduled between August 21 and September 4 at the Bingu International Convention Centre, are meant to highlight economic and governance issues. But MCP insists that development speaks louder than staged shows.
As the campaign heats up, Chakwera is on the move daily, restless and relentless, while his rival is described as fading into the background. In Malawian proverb: “A sleeping lion cannot hunt.”
