By Burnett Munthali

In a significant political development, Njuyu Ward Councillor Yolanda Ngwira has announced her resignation from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and officially joined the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Her decision comes amidst growing dissatisfaction with the leadership of MCP under President Lazarus Chakwera.

Ngwira, who has been a vocal advocate for development in her ward, expressed frustration over what she termed as “leadership failures” within the MCP. Speaking during her defection announcement, she highlighted the lack of tangible progress in addressing critical issues affecting Malawians and accused the party leadership of sidelining grassroots structures.

“President Chakwera and the MCP leadership have failed to deliver on their promises,” said Ngwira. “Our communities continue to suffer from poor infrastructure, lack of development, and broken promises. As a councillor, I cannot stand by while the people who entrusted me with their votes are left behind.”

Ngwira also criticized the MCP for failing to empower local leaders, asserting that the party’s centralized approach to governance has stifled development at the community level. She lauded the DPP for its grassroots-oriented policies and pledged to work towards bringing change to her ward through her new political affiliation.

DPP regional officials welcomed Ngwira’s defection, describing it as a sign of growing discontent within the ruling party. “Councillor Ngwira’s move reflects the frustration of many Malawians who feel betrayed by the MCP,” said a senior DPP official. “Her decision to join us is a testament to the DPP’s vision for inclusive and community-focused development.”

Ngwira’s defection comes at a critical time for the MCP, as the party faces mounting criticism over its handling of the economy, governance, and social issues. Political analysts suggest that her resignation may signal deeper fractures within the ruling party, potentially affecting its performance in the upcoming 2025 elections.

As the political landscape continues to shift, Ngwira’s move to the DPP could inspire similar defections from other local leaders who share her concerns about the MCP’s leadership. For now, her constituents in Njuyu Ward await to see how her new political alignment will translate into tangible development for their community.