Just after two weeks of their apparent fallout, President Lazarus Chakwera and his vice Saulos Chilima met and discussed way forward of how the Tonse Alliance will work together in the interest of Malawians.

According to a joint statement the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and United Transformation Movement (UTM) released signed by the parties’ spokesperson Reverend Maurice Munthali and Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo, said the alliance partners have resolved to put their differences aside and work together to strengthen their working relationship as partners.

According to the statement, the agreement was made yesterday during a meeting between the two leaders Chakwera and Chilima in the capacity as leaders of their parties, they were also accompanied by some top officials from their respective parties.

Two weeks ago, president Chakwera withdrew delegated powers of his vice after his name was mentioned in the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) report form allegedly being involved in corrupt activities with UK-based businessman Zuneth Sattar.

According to Chakwera, the decision was to pave way for investigations by the bureau, on his part Chilima vehemently denied being involved in any corrupt dealings with the businessman but opened his doors for investigations.

In his national address as the country’s vice president Chilima accused his boss of betraying the alliance’s agreement in which he said it is bordering on presidency rotation he went further revealing some of the agreement they made in 2020 prior to the June 23 fresh presidential elections.

However, Chilima’s sentiments were quashed by MCP’s leadership in which the party’s secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka refuted claims that the said document exists.

Mkaka went further adding that in the next presidential elections, they will follow what the country’s supreme laws say. This caused panic in the alliance hence its leaders resorted to meet and talk over the issue.

However, it is not known if the leaders have agreed to go by the agreement in the next presidential elections or not.

Karonga Central Constituency by- elections campaign chairperson for Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Kezzie Msukwa says the party is optimistic that its candidate will win the elections which will take place on November 10, 2020.

He was speaking Friday in Mzuzu after he alongside MCP Vice President, Sidik Mia interacted with the party’s followers to settle disagreements between the leadership and supporters of the party over the management of MCP Regional Headquarters Offices in Mzuzu.

Msukwa who is also the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development called on people in the constituency to continue rallying behind MCP and the parliamentary candidate for the party to retain the seat.

He said it is sad that the constituency lost a dedicated and development conscious leader who was also influential in the party, Dr. Cornelius Thomson Mwalwanda whom he said established the party’s roots in the area.

“Karonga Central Constituency belongs to MCP, therefore we do not doubt that people will vote for Leonard Mwalwanda who is the party’s candidate. It is my plea to all eligible voters to turn in their large numbers to vote for our candidate during the November 10 by-elections,” said Msukwa.

He added that MCP is the only party which could change the lives of people in the constituency as Late Mwalwanda proved to the constituents that MCP puts to heart the interests of the people.

“We know the expectations of people in this constituency and it is only an MCP Parliamentarian who can serve them better,” he said.

Also speaking in an exclusive interview, Leonard Mwalwanda said the constituents should expect improved road network and access to potable water among others.

“Youth can contribute to development in this constituency and I will make sure that their voice is heard so that we can together find ways of uplifting their lives,” he said.

Mia who is also Minister of Transport and Public Works advised the followers of the party to unite for the party to be strong in the region and the country as a whole.

“Misunderstandings are always eminent in any organisation but it is my prayer that when we face such situations within the structures of the party, we should be proactive in settling the roots of any form of misunderstanding so that we continue forging ahead in strengthening the party at all levels,” said Mia.

The by-election takes following the death of a Member of Parliament for the constituency, Dr. Cornelius Thomson Mwalwanda.

Three political parties will contest in the elections, namely MCP whose candidate is Leonard Mwalwanda, UTM whose candidate is Tumpale Mwenefumbo and Democratic Progressive Party which will be represented by Ernest Mwalughali and an independent candidate, Mary Nthakomwa.

-Manna-

Government has asked United Transformation Movement (UTM) and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to cancel their coronavirus sensitization tours, saying it is the responsibility of health personnel.

In a press statement seen by Face of Malawi reporter, Minister of information Mark Botomani said it is inappropriate for UTM and MCP to involve themselves in coronavirus message development and dissemination without any orientation by the Ministry of Health.

“Incorrect information is a setback to the fight against coronavirus. In addition, even correct information developed and disseminated wrongly, is a danger as well.

“Government would like to ask UTM and MCP to cancel their coronavirus sensitization tours and allow the Ministry of Health officials to take lead,” said Botomani.

In the statement, Botomani added that UTM and MCP, must never use coronavirus for political gains arguing that People’s lives are at risk and, for once, parties should leave politics aside and think Malawi first.

The statement further urged all political parties in the country considering involving themselves in the fight against Covid-19 to contact the Ministry of Health for guidance.

“Government expects UTM, MCP and indeed any other party with similar ideas to adhere to this call by seeking guidance from Ministry of Health.

Malawians are reminded that Covid-19 is a serious and divesting pandemic which has affected the whole world. The law enforcement agencies will, therefore, deal with anyone who will disregard the orders as outlined by His Excellency the State President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika in his national address on COVID-19 last week.”

Government has however asked Malawians to act responsibly in managing this pandemic even though the country has not yet registered any case.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has said the party will win the forthcoming fresh polls scheduled for May 19, 2020.

Chakwera said this in a statement posted on his official facebook seen by Faceofmalawi reporter.

According to the statement, Chakwera said MCP is ready to rescue the country the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

“This is a time for us to rescue our Republic from those who have hijacked it to enrich themselves. A Republic is a form of government in which supreme power rests with the citizens, and it is to them that elected officials are answerable,” wrote Chakwera.

Chakwera further said that the DPP administration has officials who resist answering the people’s demands.

“They have fought our petitions in the Judiciary, but we have defended your rights there and won. They have fought our bills in the Legislature, but we have defended your rights there and won.

“They will fight our campaign to rescue the Executive, but we will defend your rights there and win. Whether they like it or not, #MalawiIsRising,” he added.

The constitutional court nullified the May 21, 2019 polls on February 3, 2020 and called for fresh polls within a period of 150 days.

The court also called for the national assembly to assess the capabilities of the current commissioner of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on handling the forthcoming Presidential polls.

On 12th February 2020,the United Transformation Movement(UTM) had it’s “thank you rally” at Nkando in Mulanje District.

The auspicious occasion was graced by it’s vice president Dr Michael Usi,the Secretary General Hon Patricia Kaliati and many others.

Utm has been moving around countrywide,appreciating Malawians for their support and trust given to them during the election case and since their inception as a political party.

The ground was overwhelmingly parked with magnitudes of people wanting to hear the gospel of hope and a better tomorrow.

On behalf of Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima,the president of the party.Veep Usi thanked the people and told them to prepare and go to register to vote,as we are expected to vote again in 140 days time and he went further to ask any parliamentarian who want to join the party but fearing the parliament section 63 of crossing floor,he advised don’t be discouraged,nothing will affect and our doors are open.

The SG Kaliati gracefully welcomed 3,000 people from different political parties to UTM.She jubilantly said “This is your home,we believe in team spirit and we have no boundaries,Utm is for you and me,collectively we will develop Malawi”.

Most of the supporters were from constituencies of Mulanje Pasani,Mulanje South West,Mulanje West and others from independent candidates.

Ramuzani Mahommed Juma, Member of Parliament for Nsanje South is planning to join the main opposition Malawi Congress Party.

Juma won the election on independent ticket beating Thomson Kamangira with 82% votes.

Barely a week after 117 purported committee leaders in the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) defected to Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in Chikwawa, over 200 DPP leaders from Chikwawa west and Nsanje South West Constituencies have also left the party and join MCP.

The leaders announced their defection on Tuesday, citing poor leadership among other reasons.

Former constituency governess for the governing party, Elizabeth Moses, claimed President Peter Mutharika has failed to address various challenges including shortage of essential drugs in public hospitals and food insecurity.

“We have defected to MCP because believe that the party’s leadership will make a difference in developing Nsanje.

“We have worked with the DPP led government and realized that President Mutharika has been making ’empty’ promises,” claimed Moses.

The former Nsanje DPP constituency governess further accused the governing DPP of using and dumping them.

“I worked with the party for so many years but was recently relieved of my duties without any token of appreciation.

“This is unfair, they should have done something as a way of appreciating my services,” lamented Moses.

MCP Campaign Director Moses Kunkuyu has described it as a welcome development.

Kunkuyu alleged the DPP led government protects people who commit crimes including corruption.

DPP Publicity Secretary Nicholas Dausi was not immediately available for a comment whilst its Secretary General, Grezeldar Jeffrey feigned ignorance on the development.

“I do not have that issue in my office, let me talk to our party’s Publicist, we will revert,” she said.

Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre Alfred Jiya has donated exercise books to learners at Chipala Primary School in Lilongwe following the reopening of the school which was closed after clashes between management and community members.

Jiya who is a member of the Malawi Congress Party donated the writing materials on Tuesday to the leaners whose institution was closed for three weeks due to misunderstandings between members of the community and donors who decided to build school blocks at the school ground.

Speaking after the donation, Jiya said he came up with the initiative as a way of encouraging the students who were disturbed by the wrangles.

He added that the donation is just starter pack and pledged to do more considering that some of the students at the institution come poor families.

“I am aware that this donation means a lot to the learners, I therefore want to take this opportunity to ask the students at this institution to work extra harder and achieve their goals,” he explained

Jiya then commended Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for efforts to push for the reopening of the School.

In her remarks, acting Head teacher of the School Racheal Banda commended the Member of Parliament for the timely donation and pledged to encourage the learners to work hard in their studies.

Banda said despite the closure of the school for weeks, teachers will make sure that the students pass with flying colors.

A political analyst from the University of Livingstonia, George Phiri, has advised the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to wait for the court outcome of the electoral case before holding by-election in Lilongwe south.

MEC is set to hold a parliamentary by-election in Lilongwe South Constituency on November 5, which were postponed following the death of UTM candidate, Agnes Penemulungu, in the run up to the May 21 tripartite elections.

Phiri was commenting following a stand by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM who are rejecting the planned by-elections by the electoral body on grounds of mutual trust.

“The decision by the political parties is a welcome move because of the issues of integrity since the same MEC was responsible for the May 21 elections that are currently being contested in court.” Phiri said

Phiri further said if the two major political parties will not be part of the elections then there is no need for the electoral body to conduct the election.

MCP Secretary General, Eisenhower Mkaka and UTM Publicist, Chidanti Malaunga, both told the media that MEC should consider not holding the by-election until the presidential results case is concluded.

MCP and UTM leaders are challenging the results of May 21 presidential elections claiming that they were rigged in favour of President Peter Mutharika who was declared winner.

UTM Parliamentary candidate for Lilongwe South Constituency, Agnes Penemulungu, died on April 29, three weeks to the May 21 election.

YFM

President for the main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, is today start testifying in support of his application a case in which MCP and UTM parties are disputing the outcome of the May 21 Presidential election.

Chakwera who is the second petitioner in the case will be responding to lawyers for the first respondent, President Peter Mutharika and the second respondent, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on issues that are in his sown statements.

Chakwera’s appearance comes after the first petitioner, Dr. Saulosi Chilima, and his three witnesses finished giving their evidence in the same court.

On September 12, UTM lawyer, Chikosa Silungwe, announced that his side had decided to parade only four witnesses instead of the expected 38, citing that they want to expedite the case.

The four include Saulos Chilima, Mirriam Gwalidi, Darlington Ndasauka and Bright Kawaga who testified that no originals but rather duplicates, fake sheets and a correction fluid branded tippex were used in the elections and that in some instances presiding officers did not sign for results sheets or log books.

Lawyers for Chakwera are expected to parade 19 witnesses to prove their case.

On the other hand president Mutharika’s lawyers have said that they will parade 42 witnesses.

MCP and UTM parties are contesting that Mutharika won a fraudulent election citing the use of tippex, fake results sheets, intimidation of party monitors, among other irregularities.

YFM

After a one week break the KASUNGU BIG9 will be on stage again this weekend with two rallies this time around in Kasungu South of Abanda Simplex Chithyola and Kasungu North of Mike Bango.

Saturday the team led by Ken Kandodo will be at Santhe Trading Centre in TA Santhes area before invading the area of Senior Chief Kaluluma at Kaluluma CDSS.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says they have suffered damage to property worth K38 million in the arson attack on their regional offices on Sunday night in Blantyre.

Vice president for the party Sidik Mia visited the site on Monday where he said they are not bothered with how much is lost but to get back the information dating back to 50 years is very critical for them.

Mia said the development was sad but they carry on eager to at least see justice prevail.

“I decided to come here to asses the damage and to plead to the security who are looking into the issue to be able to pin point the culprits. This is something that Malawi should not experience,” Mia said.

He told journalists that if it is retaliation with what is happening with the protests, they should not go to the extent of being criminal.

Mia highlighted the office catered for the whole of the southern region with files on party members from the 1960’s saying it is a pity that such information will be hard to recover.

Regional Secretary for the south Peter Khofi in an interview with local press said the attack is suspected to have taken place at around 10 o’clock at night.

Mabvuto Chaiwalika who is regional organising secretary called Khofi in the morning to inform him of the arson attack but he could not elaborate and point out who was actually behind it.

A watchman from Blantyre Institute of Management (BIM) is reported to have seen the flames at around 11pm before calling his immediate bosses.

The guard told his boss he saw two minibuses and a pick up going to the offices but he did not anticipate anything so he took not precaution measures until he saw the flames.

One of the people with knowledge of what happened but opted not to be mentioned for fear of his life said the offices had no guard.

He said the numbers of the suspected attackers was overwhelming that they did not attempt to stop them.

The source who is impeccable said they hid to avoid being spotted and being beat up.

Khofi has since said the matters is in the hands of Limbe Police who are investigating.

The Police came around 12:30 pm to cordon off the area which is now designated as a crime scene.

One of the police officers said they are waiting for bomb experts from Lilongwe to determine what caused the arson.

This is the second time the regional offices have been targeted with the first attempt foiled as the petrol bomb used failed to detonate.

Source : Kulunji

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) deputy President Sidik Mia on Thursday visited two MCP supporters who were arrested during the middle of the night at their respective homes in Mangochi, hounded in a police van and transferred to Zomba maximum prison on a misdemeanor offence.

The two are the party’s parliamentary candidate for Mangochi Central, Hessein Daddy Anusa in the 21^stMay elections and a District Youth Committee Member, Awilo Nkuwu, Hessein Daddy Anusa

They are being locked up for allegedly insulting the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament for Mangochi central constituency, Victoria Kingstone, during a recent demonstration where the people of Mangochi joined Malawians across the country in demanding the resignation of the Malawi electoral body chairperson Jane Ansah, whom majority Malawians are accusing her of mismanaging the 21^st May tripartite elections.

“I came to give them moral support,” said Mia.

Malawians are expected to take to the street on Friday to continue pushing for the resignation of the pollster chief whom Malawi Law Society in a statement released on Thursday have urged the Chairperson to “deeply reflect” on the need to resign.

Protesters in Blantyre have gathered at Kamuzu Upper Stadium for demonstrations organised by Human Rights Defenders Forum (HRDC) pushing for the removal of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah.

UTM vice-president Michael Usi and patron Noel Masangwi have arrived at the upper stadium.

Also in attendance is Malawi Congress Party (MCP) campaign director Moses Kunkuyu.

LILONGWE – Eleven Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators are said to have met Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday evening.

The party’s Deputy Publicity Secretary Ezekiel Ching’oma confirmed the development  and said: “It is very very true” that the parliamentarians met Chakwera.

He hinted that five of the MP’s are from Eastern region, four from South, and one each from Central and Northern region.

Asked on what the agenda for the meeting was, the Deputy Publicist only said they discussed issues of national interest.

However sources within the party indicated that the DPP legislators met the MCP Leader at his Area 6 residence, adding that they pledged their allegiance to Chakwera and the party in general especially in Parliament.

When called for comment, DPP Spokesperson Nicholas Dausi demanded for the names of the legislators who are reported to have met Chakwera, and maintained that he would not comment on hearsay.

Source : Kulinji