Leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, has called on politicians to refrain from making false promises and instead commit to realistic pledges as Malawians head to the polls on 16 September this year.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Bushiri said Malawi is at a crossroads and needs leaders who will guide the nation with honesty and integrity.

“As a Malawian citizen, I feel compelled to speak truth to power during this campaign season, as our nation prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections. To our politicians, I say: stop deceiving our people with empty promises and lies. Instead, be transparent about what you can deliver and what you cannot. Our nation is at a crossroads, and we need leaders who will guide us with honesty and integrity. Promise what you can deliver!” he wrote.

Bushiri stressed that citizens deserve leaders who put the people’s interests first and remain truthful about their capabilities.

Vice President Michael Usi, who also leads the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu party, says he will not apologise for his remarks alleging that some government officials are involved in corruption.

This follows a challenge from Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Jessie Kabwila, who recently demanded that Usi provide evidence to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or resign for “tarnishing the image of a government he benefits from.”

Speaking at a stopover rally in Ulongwe, Balaka, Usi maintained that he knows individuals engaged in corrupt practices but will not reveal their names publicly for fear of being sued.

“I wonder why the police and ACB are not asking me directly so I can tell them who is involved. Those who arrest people should approach me and I will provide the names. I can’t just mention names publicly for nothing,” Usi said.

Meanwhile, political analyst George Chaima has urged Malawians to assist the ACB with credible evidence so that all corrupt individuals face justice. However, Chaima also noted that the bureau currently lacks the full capacity to act independently, citing the influence of its leadership.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly criticized statements made by UDF leader Atupele Muluzi regarding former Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Jane Ansah.

Speaking at a rally in Machinga, Muluzi warned Malawians that voting for DPP could lead to Jane Ansah becoming the country’s leader.

In an official statement signed by DPP spokesperson Shadreck Namalomba, the party accused Muluzi of bitterness after DPP rejected his bid to be Peter Mutharika’s running mate in this year’s elections.

“DPP is aware that Atupele Muluzi believes he can take over the country’s leadership through an alliance with the DPP,” Namalomba said in response to Muluzi’s remarks.

Political tension in Malawi has deepened after Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) president Enock Chihana narrowly escaped what his party describes as a targeted assassination attempt in Kasungu West on Thursday.

The incident happened as Chihana’s convoy was returning from a political rally at Chalowa School in Traditional Authority Mawawa. According to AFORD officials, the convoy was violently blocked by suspected thugs armed with pangas, who attempted to attack the opposition leader.

“This was not a robbery. This was a coordinated political attack. The crocodiles are hungry – they want blood. But democracy will prevail,” said AFORD Deputy Secretary Chris Thaulo, accusing operatives linked to the ruling party of orchestrating the assault.

Thursday’s attack comes barely five months after another AFORD convoy was ambushed in Lilongwe on February 27. That incident, confirmed by party spokesperson Anne Maluwa, took place near Mchesi as Chihana and his team returned from a funeral in Area 22. Armed assailants damaged at least one vehicle and injured several people, though Chihana was unharmed on both occasions.

Eyewitnesses to the Kasungu incident described scenes of chaos as the convoy was forced to a halt before security personnel intervened.

AFORD is now calling for urgent investigations, warning that repeated attacks on opposition leaders threaten Malawi’s democratic space.

Governance and political experts have cast doubt on the Malawi Congress Party (MCP)’s newly launched development agenda, citing the party’s failure to deliver on its previous promises during the past five years in government.

Political analyst Dr. George Chaima and good governance advocate Lucky Mbewe expressed their concerns following the launch of the MCP’s new manifesto by party president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, who has pledged to implement the agenda if re-elected in the upcoming 2025 general elections.

Dr. Chaima argued that some of the promises outlined in the manifesto are overly ambitious and unrealistic to achieve within a five-year period.

“There is simply too much being promised in too short a time,” he said.

On his part, Lucky Mbewe said he was particularly surprised by the pledge to provide K500,000 to every newborn child, at a time when the country is grappling with high levels of poverty and overpopulation.

“This kind of policy may encourage high birth rates, which could worsen poverty in the long run,” Mbewe said, urging the party to revise such proposals in the interest of long-term national development.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says it is surprised by reports that Everton Chimulirenji, its former vice president and former presidential running mate, has joined the UTM Party.

According to DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, Chimulirenji ceased to be a member of the party long ago when he announced that he would contest as an independent parliamentary candidate for Ntcheu North West in the upcoming elections.

“Mr. Chimulirenji left the DPP a long time ago when he declared his intention to run as an independent. It is therefore incorrect to refer to him as a DPP member,” said Namalomba.

Chimulirenji has since confirmed in an interview with a local radio station that he has indeed joined UTM, citing the need for “inner peace” as his main reason.

Commenting on the matter, political analyst Ceasor Kondowe said Chimulirenji has the right to join any political party of his choice.

Fresh cracks have emerged in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as Everton Chimulirenji, former Vice President and once close ally to party leader Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, has declared that he will contest as an independent candidate in the forthcoming parliamentary elections for Zambwe Constituency in Ntcheu District.

This follows a controversial internal primary election in which Chimulirenji defeated Jane Ansah, the former chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission. However, in a twist, DPP leadership later announced Ansah as the party’s official candidate, a move that appears to have angered Chimulirenji.

In reaction, Chimulirenji claimed that he is no longer representing the party, insisting he will stand on his own. Efforts to reach him for further comment proved futile as his mobile phone went unanswered.

Political analyst Begason Mayenje has weighed in on the issue, saying the development is a clear indication of deep divisions and lack of unity within the DPP, adding that internal tolerance and reconciliation appear to be in short supply in the party.

The incident adds to growing concerns over the DPP’s internal stability as it prepares for the next general elections.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Jessie Kabwila,has praised President Lazarus Chakwera for what she described as notable strides in improving the lives of Malawians since taking office in 2020.

Speaking during a political gathering held at the party’s headquarters in Lilongwe, alongside her deputy Ken Nsonda, Kabwila highlighted key achievements under Chakwera’s administration, including nationwide food relief distribution and employment creation across all regions.

She also commended the government for enhancing the health and infrastructure sectors, citing the construction of new health facilities and roads as proof of development being taken seriously under Chakwera’s leadership.

Kabwila urged Malawians to maintain peace and unity as the country prepares for the highly anticipated general elections on 16 September.

“As we look forward to the elections, I encourage every Malawian to uphold peace and calm. Development can only thrive in a stable and united nation,” she said.

The remarks come as political temperatures begin to rise ahead of the elections, with various parties holding rallies and campaign activities throughout the country.

Controversial Member of Parliament for Blantyre City South East and DPP National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Sameer Suleman, has lashed out at UDF President Atupele Muluzi, urging him to reflect on his own father’s old age before making remarks about former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.

Suleman made the comments yesteday on 17 June 2025 at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Blantyre, during a ceremony where the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was officially handing out nomination certificates to candidates who won during the party’s primary elections for MPs and councillors.

This comes in reaction to Atupele Muluzi’s statement on Sunday in Balaka, during the UDF Eastern Region whistle-stop tour, where he said that Peter Mutharika is too old and should retire from politics.

In a fiery response, Suleman said “Instead of focusing on Mutharika’s age, Atupele should look at his own father, who now walks with a stick  a clear sign of aging.”

The comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for mature political discourse while others support Suleman’s stance in defending Mutharika, who remains a key figure in the DPP as the 2025 elections approach.

United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi has broken his silence on the 2019 general elections, describing the poll as “one of the most contentious in Malawi’s history” and claiming it was “stolen” through serious irregularities and manipulation.

In a strongly worded Facebook post titled “Let’s Set the Record Straight,” Muluzi said the country must not forget the past but must also be bold about its future. He accused the electoral system of erasing his support:

“You gave me your trust; but the system gave me just 200,000 votes and tippexed me out of my own constituency.”

Despite the setback, Muluzi said he chose peace over protest when the courts nullified the results, opting instead to join forces with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as a running mate in the 2020 Fresh Presidential Election.

He emphasized that the 1.7 million votes secured by the DPP-UDF ticket were not by chance: “That wasn’t luck. That was work, sacrifice, and leadership; grounded in love for Malawi.”

Muluzi further clarified that his message was not about politics, but about truth, accountability, and a call for honest leadership:

“This is about restoring dignity to our democratic processes… and what Malawi deserves: leaders who earn trust and deliver results through action, not noise.”

Meanwhile, Muluzi’s post comes at a time when rumours are swirling about his possible alliance with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) ahead of the 2025 general elections.

He has been frequently seen alongside President Lazarus Chakwera at public functions  sparking speculation that the UDF leader may be preparing to partner with the MCP.

Reports suggest that former president Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has travelled to South Africa for medical attention.

it is reported that multiple sources within the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services have confirmed to MBC Digital that Mutharika left Malawi on Monday, 2 June 2025, through Chileka International Airport. He was reportedly accompanied by his wife, Gertrude Mutharika.

The 86-year-old, who is the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate for the upcoming 16 September election, has not made any recent public appearances raising speculation about his health.

However, Mutharika’s personal spokesperson, Shadric Namalomba, has dismissed the reports, calling them “false” and “malicious.” Namalomba claimed the allegations are being propagated by individuals who do not wish the former leader well.

As of now, no official statement has been released by the DPP regarding the former president’s whereabouts or health status.

Source:MBC Digital

This Sunday, 08 June 2025, the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu party, led by its president Dr. Michael Usi, will hold a political rally at Naisi Ground in the city of Zomba.

According to the party, this will be its first political gathering since its official registration with Malawi’s Registrar of Political Parties.

Dr. Michael Usi  who i also a current vice president to Chakwera, is expected to lead the rally, which will also feature a live performance by the renowned reggae band, Black Missionaries.

The party has described the rally as a platform to outline its political vision and engage with supporters from across the Southern Region.

Deputy Publicity Secretary for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Ken Msonda, has dismissed recent criticism from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), describing the former ruling party as a “criminal enterprise” fueled by bitterness and hatred.

Msonda was responding to remarks made  by DPP National Women Director Mary Navicha, who claimed Malawians are “going through hell” under the current MCP-led government. Navicha made the comments during a political rally at Goliati, where she blamed the Chakwera administration for rising suicide cases, hunger, and the high cost of living.

She called on Malawians to vote for Professor Peter Mutharika in the upcoming September 16 elections, claiming he is ready to redeem the country from what she described as widespread suffering.

In response, Msonda said MCP would not waste time on what he termed as “DPP malice”, stating that President Lazarus Chakwera remains focused on delivering development, serving citizens, and strengthening party structures in preparation for the elections.

“MCP is concentrating on strengthening the party and delivering on its promises. The people will decide based on progress, not propaganda,” said Msonda.

Source:ZodiakOnline

Well-known Machinjiri businessman, Alex Chimwala, has officially announced his intention to run as an independent candidate in the general elections set for September 16, 2025.

The development comes barely after a month following a controversial primary elections recently held by the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in South Lunzu Constituency, where he lost to Veronica Ndalama.

Allegations of bribery have since marred the credibility of the primaries, with claims that Ndalama distributed MK15 million to delegates and promised MK150,000 to each upon her victory.

In an interview with Face of Malawi, Chimwala confirmed his decision to seek election independently, noting that it was made after thorough discussions with constituents and other stakeholders.

“I can indeed confirm I will be running as an independent candidate. It wasn’t an easy choice; I had to engage in consultations,” said Chimwala.

Expressing deep affection for Machinjiri, Chimwala emphasized his commitment to development. He outlined several initiatives he plans to pursue if elected, including advocating for the construction of a youth center, a court, and a bypass tarmac road connecting the Blantyre-Zomba road at Njuli

“Even though I’m not in office yet, I have already started making contributions to the community by building bridges, drilling boreholes, assisting the elderly, and sponsoring football activities,” he stated confidently.

Chimwala will compete against a crowded slate of candidates, including Deus Sandram, Veronica Ndalama, Rashid Gaffar, and two others, in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive race.

President Lazarus Chakwera has publicly denounced the use of insulting songs targeting elderly politicians, including former President Peter Mutharika.

The President made these remarks during a development rally at Nkhwazi Primary School Ground in Mchinji on Monday 12 May 2025.

Addressing a crowd of supporters, Chakwera emphasized the importance of maintaining respect in political discourse. “Leadership should demonstrate moral values, not promote insults against elders,” he stated, without directly naming any specific songs or artists.

The President’s comments follow recent controversy surrounding musician Dan Lu’s new track “Akalamba,” which many interpret as mocking Mutharika’s age and political ambitions. While the song has gained popularity among some ruling party supporters, it has drawn criticism for perceived ageism.

Police authorities in Lilongwe confirmed they have received several complaints about the song’s content but have not yet taken any legal action. Meanwhile, political analysts suggest Chakwera’s statement reflects growing concerns about maintaining civil political engagement ahead of the 2025 elections.

Dan Lu, known for his pro-MCP songs, has not publicly responded to the President’s remarks. The musician continues to perform the controversial song at various political events.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has declared that none of the presidential aspirants for the September elections can match President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership achievements.

Speaking at a packed rally in Mchinji yesterday on 12 May, Chimwendo Banda stated: “When you compare what others promise with what President Chakwera has already delivered, there’s no competition.”

Chimwendo, highlighted several infrastructure projects completed under Chakwera’s administration and Claimed previous governments failed to accomplish what current leadership has achieved. He also positioned Chakwera as the only candidate with proven development credentials

With Malawi’s presidential polls three months away, the ruling party appears to be building its campaign around Chakwera’s incumbency advantage and track record.

Political analysts suggest these remarks mark the beginning of MCP’s strategy to frame the election as a choice between experience and uncertainty.

At the time of writing this, no opposition party have  yet responded to these claims.

In a surprising political reversal, Minister of High Education Jessie Kabwila is contesting today’s MCP primaries in Salima Central, just three years after publicly declaring her retirement from active politics.

The MCP spokesperson had announced in 2021 that she was quitting politics to focus on her academic career as Executive Dean at the Malawi Institute of Management. At the time, Kabwila stated she wanted to dedicate herself fully to educational development.

Now facing former Deputy Health Minister Enock Phale for the party’s parliamentary ticket, Kabwila’s return has added drama to today’s primary elections. Heavy police presence has been deployed across voting centers as the two political heavyweights compete for the nomination.

Party insiders suggest Kabwila’s comeback reflects the MCP’s strategy to field strong candidates ahead of the 2025 general elections. The outcome of today’s vote will determine whether her political resurrection succeeds or if Phale’s established local presence prevails.

Results are expected tonight, with the winner earning the right to represent the governing party in next year’s parliamentary elections. Observers are watching closely to see if voters will embrace Kabwila’s return or favor continuity with Phale.

Malawi’s Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, has conceded defeat in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary elections for the Lilongwe City Masintha Constituency.

The race was won by former Lilongwe Mayor Juliana Kaduya, who secured 554 votes, while Kamtukule received 208 votes.

Other candidates in the race included Ireen Chimdzeka(131 votes), Lydia Ngondo (4 votes), and Frank Mndala (1 vote).

Kamtukule, who currently serves as the area’s Member of Parliament (MP), took to Facebook to acknowledge her loss and congratulate Kaduya.

“Just to inform you all that I lost the primary elections today for the Lilongwe City Masintha Constituency. Hon. Juliana Kaduya won, and I hereby congratulate her on this success,” she wrote.

She further pledged to work with Kaduya to develop the constituency and mobilize support for President Lazarus Chakwera ahead of the September 2025 general elections.

“I pledge to work with her in developing the area from now moving forward as we also garner support from the urban youth for His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s victory in the forthcoming general elections,” she added.

Kamtukule, who initially belonged to the UTM Party, joined the MCP following the collapse of the Tonse Alliance after the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima.

Her shift to the MCP was seen as a strategic move to strengthen her political standing but received backlash from UTM supporters..

Despite her loss, Kamtukule remains a key figure in Chakwera’s administration as Tourism Minister. Meanwhile, Juliana Kaduya, a seasoned politician and former mayor, is now set to represent the MCP in the Lilongwe City Masintha Constituency in the 2025 elections.