By Burnett Munthali
Reliable sources have revealed that seven cabinet ministers from the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) have privately assured the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of their support in facilitating a smooth transition of power.
This revelation, which comes less than a month before the critical September 17 date, has sent shockwaves through Malawi’s political circles.
The ministers, whose names have not yet been disclosed, are reportedly engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations with DPP leadership.
Their move is being interpreted as a sign of diminishing confidence in President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration and its prospects of holding onto power.
Sources indicate that the ministers are motivated by both political survival and the desire to secure a place in the next government.
By offering quiet assurances to the DPP, they hope to safeguard their positions and protect their interests in the likely event of a power shift.
The DPP, led by former President Arthur Peter Mutharika, has been gaining political momentum ahead of the highly anticipated date.
Its recent outreach to key stakeholders, combined with grassroots mobilization, appears to be paying off as high-level defections begin to take shape.
For the MCP, this development represents a major internal crisis at a time when party unity is most crucial.
Observers warn that even the perception of disloyalty at such a senior level could weaken the party’s negotiating power and credibility.
The silence from MCP leadership on these reports has only fueled speculation that divisions within the party may be deeper than previously thought.
If confirmed, this clandestine arrangement could reshape the political landscape in the days leading up to September 17.
Conclusion
The reported alignment of seven MCP cabinet ministers with the DPP marks a significant turning point in Malawi’s political trajectory.
It underscores the fragility of alliances built on convenience rather than conviction, and signals that the winds of change may already be sweeping across the governing elite.
As the nation edges closer to September 17, the balance of power remains uncertain, but one fact is clear: loyalty within the MCP is cracking, and the DPP is positioning itself to capitalize on every fracture.
