By Burnett Munthali
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has issued a stern reminder to fellow politicians, stating that it is unrealistic to expect political miracles just two months before an election if nothing tangible has been done in four years.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday in Lilongwe, Chimwendo Banda, who also serves as Leader of Government Business in the House, made the remarks while contributing to the debate on Bill No. 17 of 2025, which focuses on issues surrounding mental health.
He warned against the growing trend among some political leaders to engage in frantic and wasteful spending in the lead-up to elections, attempting to win public support through handouts and populist gestures.
According to Chimwendo Banda, if a politician has failed to deliver meaningful development or services to the people over a four-year period, there is little they can realistically achieve in the final two months before voting day.
He pointed out that the electorate is now more aware and intelligent, and can easily distinguish between last-minute political gimmicks and genuine service delivery.
In his address, he urged Members of Parliament not to squander their resources trying to charm voters at the eleventh hour, especially when they had failed to address critical needs during their tenure.
Chimwendo Banda emphasized that development work, public trust, and political credibility are built consistently over time—not conjured up in a few weeks of campaign frenzy.
He cautioned politicians to stop assuming that Malawians can be easily swayed by short-term favors, stressing that true leadership is about sustained efforts and long-term impact.
In reference to the Mental Health Bill, he further called on lawmakers to also consider the psychological strain that broken political promises and poor governance exert on the nation’s citizens.
Chimwendo Banda’s remarks were not only a contribution to legislative debate but also served as a broader political commentary aimed at setting a standard for accountability and integrity among leaders.
The MCP official concluded his speech by calling for honest politics that prioritizes the people over electoral survival, reminding fellow MPs that no political shortcut can erase a legacy of inaction.
As Malawi draws closer to its next general elections, his remarks stand as a timely call for reflection—both among those in power and those vying to replace them.
