By Burnett Munthali
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) hosted a major rally at Ekwendeni in Mzimba District, led by MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda. The event, which drew thousands of supporters from across the Northern Region, focused on galvanizing support for the ruling party as it prepares for the 2025 general elections.
Chimwendo Banda, a key figure in the MCP and one of the party’s most vocal leaders, used the occasion to outline the party’s achievements over the past few years, while also addressing pressing national issues. The rally at Ekwendeni highlighted the MCP’s strategy for retaining power and delivering on its promises to the Malawian people.
The choice of Ekwendeni as the rally venue underscored the MCP’s efforts to solidify its support base in the Northern Region, traditionally seen as a stronghold for opposition parties. Chimwendo Banda emphasized the party’s commitment to ensuring that all regions benefit equally from the development agenda initiated by President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration.
“We are here to demonstrate that the MCP is not just a party for one region, but a party for all Malawians. The Northern Region has an important role to play in the progress of this country, and we are committed to ensuring that the people of Ekwendeni and beyond see tangible results from the work we are doing,” Chimwendo Banda told the crowd.
In his address, Chimwendo Banda highlighted several key achievements of the MCP-led government under President Lazarus Chakwera, including economic reforms, infrastructure development, and improvements in social services.
“We inherited a country that was on the brink of economic collapse. Today, we have stabilized the economy, improved healthcare, expanded educational opportunities, and invested in infrastructure. This is the kind of leadership that Malawians deserve, and we will continue to deliver,” he said.
He also spoke about ongoing projects in the Northern Region, such as road construction, electrification programs, and the expansion of healthcare facilities. Chimwendo Banda stressed that these developments were part of a broader strategy to uplift the lives of Malawians and reduce regional inequalities.
With the 2025 elections fast approaching, Chimwendo Banda took the opportunity to rally the party faithful, urging them to remain united and focused on re-electing President Chakwera for a second term. He warned against complacency, emphasizing that the MCP needed to work hard to maintain its position as the governing party.
“2025 is just around the corner, and we cannot afford to relax. We must continue working hard, listening to the people, and delivering on our promises. The opposition is already preparing, but we have the advantage of a track record that speaks for itself,” he said.
He also urged MCP supporters to stay vigilant against misinformation and divisive rhetoric, which he said could be used by opposition parties to sow discord among the electorate. Chimwendo Banda called for unity within the party ranks, stating that a divided MCP would be its own worst enemy in the upcoming elections.
During the rally, Chimwendo Banda did not shy away from criticizing opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), for their failure to provide constructive criticism and solutions to national issues. He accused the opposition of focusing solely on power struggles and personal gains, rather than the needs of the people.
“They are too busy fighting among themselves to even offer real solutions to the challenges facing this country. The DPP is a party that only knows how to divide, but here in the MCP, we are focused on unity and development,” he remarked.
Chimwendo Banda’s comments were met with applause from the crowd, many of whom expressed their confidence in the MCP’s ability to continue leading the country.
The Ekwendeni rally was seen as a strategic move to boost MCP’s popularity in a region where it has historically struggled to gain a significant foothold. The MCP Secretary General’s visit, along with other senior party officials, was aimed at engaging directly with the grassroots, addressing local concerns, and ensuring that the party remains visible and relevant in the lead-up to the elections.
Chimwendo Banda made it clear that the MCP is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by the people of the Northern Region, promising that the party would work closely with local leaders to ensure that development efforts are tailored to meet the needs of the region.
In conclusion, as the 2025 elections loom closer, the MCP’s rally in Ekwendeni, led by Richard Chimwendo Banda, sent a strong message that the party is determined to retain power and continue its developmental agenda. By showcasing the government’s achievements and outlining future plans, Chimwendo Banda and his team succeeded in energizing their supporters in the Northern Region.
With a call for unity and hard work, the MCP is now focused on solidifying its support across all regions of Malawi, positioning itself as the party of progress and stability as the countdown to 2025 continues
