By Twink Jones Gadama
Callista and Zelia Chakale, have suffered embarrassing defeats in their bids for parliamentary seats.
Both women had defected from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), hoping to capitalize on the ruling party’s influence to secure their seats. However, their plans have been foiled, leaving their political careers in jeopardy.
Callista, the widow of late President Bingu wa Mutharika, had left the DPP to co-found the United Transformation Movement (UTM) before joining the MCP.
Her decision to defect was seen as a strategic move to gain an advantage in the parliamentary elections. However, her plan backfired, and she failed to secure a seat.
Zelia Chakale, a former DPP Vice President for the Central Region, also defected to the MCP, hoping to ride on the party’s popularity to parliament.
However, her bid was unsuccessful, and she was left to ponder the consequences of her decision.
The defeats of Callista and Zelia serve as a stark reminder that politics is a game of unpredictability.
Their decisions to defect from the DPP to the MCP were seen as opportunistic, and their failures have raised questions about their commitment to their constituents.
The DPP, founded by late President Bingu wa Mutharika, has been accused of being a “family party,” with some members feeling that the Mutharika family’s influence is still dominant.
The defections of Callista and Zelia were seen as a way to break free from the DPP’s internal power struggles and capitalize on the MCP’s momentum.
However, their failures have exposed the risks of opportunistic politics.
By prioritizing their personal ambitions over the interests of their constituents, Callista and Zelia have damaged their reputations and undermined the trust of their supporters.
As Malawi’s political landscape continues to evolve, the lessons from Callista and Zelia’s failed bids for parliament will serve as a cautionary tale for aspiring politicians.
The price of ambition can be steep, and the consequences of prioritizing personal interests over the needs of constituents can be devastating.
In the end, the failures of Callista and Zelia serve as a reminder that politics is a game of integrity, loyalty, and commitment to the people.
As Malawians look to the future, they will be seeking leaders who prioritize their interests above personal ambition.
