By Burnett Munthali
In a surprising development, Member of Parliament Liana Kakhobwe Chapota Munthali has officially withdrawn her candidacy from the upcoming Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary elections for the Lilongwe Msozi Constituency.
In a formal letter dated 12th May 2025 and addressed to the MCP Director of Elections, Hon. Elias Chakwera, the parliamentarian communicated her decision to opt out of the electoral race.
She began her letter by clearly stating her intention: “I am writing to inform you of my decision not to participate in the upcoming primary elections for the Lilongwe Msozi Constituency.”
Following this announcement, she proceeded to request that her name be removed from the ballot paper to reflect her withdrawal.
Her message was succinct yet definitive, signaling a well-considered decision rather than a spontaneous move.
She concluded by expressing appreciation for the Director of Elections’ role, stating, “I would appreciate your assistance in processing this request.”
The letter ends with a formal note of gratitude: “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
This development may significantly affect the political dynamics within the Lilongwe Msozi Constituency as the MCP prepares for competitive primaries ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Munthali’s withdrawal opens the field for new contenders and raises questions about the internal decisions or personal circumstances that may have influenced her choice.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the MCP will now have to reorganize its strategies for the constituency, which remains a vital area in the Central Region.
More details are expected to emerge in the coming days, as party supporters and constituents seek clarity on what prompted the MP’s sudden departure from the race.
