Ekwendeni, Malawi – The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is facing criticism following allegations that it dished out K10,000 to attendees in a bid to boost the crowd at its rally in Ekwendeni yesterday. The rally, which saw over 55 trucks ferrying people from various constituencies across the North-South Region, has raised eyebrows, with some accusing the ruling party of attempting to divert attention from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rally held on the same day in Mzuzu.
The MCP rally, held in what is considered a stronghold of DPP Shadow MP Edgar Tembo, who also serves as the party’s Treasurer General, was seen by many as a strategic move by the ruling party to challenge DPP’s growing presence in the Northern Region. However, the rally has been marred by reports that many of those in attendance were not from Ekwendeni but had been transported from other areas, allegedly enticed with cash payments.
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Unconfirmed reports indicate that individuals who attended the rally were given K10,000 each as an incentive. This disbursement has sparked outrage, with critics calling it an underhanded tactic to artificially inflate attendance numbers. While these reports are yet to be confirmed by independent sources, social media has been abuzz with claims that MCP organizers resorted to paying attendees to ensure a respectable turnout.
“We saw trucks ferrying people from various parts of the Northern Region. Many of them admitted they were coming just to collect the K10,000,” said a local resident who chose to remain anonymous. “It’s a desperate move by MCP, trying to match the popularity of the DPP in the North.”
The timing of the rally has also raised questions, as it coincided with a DPP event in Mzuzu that was well-attended by supporters of the opposition party. Some observers believe that the MCP’s decision to hold its rally on the same day was an attempt to dilute the impact of the DPP’s gathering.
In contrast, the DPP rally in Mzuzu, which was addressed by Northern Region Governor Christopher Mzomera Ngwira, drew massive crowds without any reports of monetary incentives. The rally focused on criticizing President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration, with Ngwira accusing the government of neglecting the needs of Malawians while engaging in “globetrotting” and poor economic management.
The contrasting events have sparked a debate about political mobilization in Malawi, with concerns that the use of money to draw crowds may erode the integrity of political campaigns.
The North has become a battleground for political parties as they prepare for the 2025 General Election. With figures like Edgar Tembo solidifying the DPP’s presence in the region, the MCP is under pressure to maintain its foothold. However, the alleged use of financial incentives to draw supporters may backfire, further damaging the party’s reputation.
As the election season heats up, both the MCP and DPP will need to navigate the challenges of political credibility and public trust, especially in a region that has traditionally been skeptical of central authority.
_Burnett Munthali is a political analyst and contributor to Maravi Post, providing insights into Malawi’s political landscape
