By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is once again under the spotlight as internal wrangles threaten to overshadow its upcoming Mega Rally at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre.
In a surprising move that has triggered heated discussions among party faithful and political analysts alike, two of the party’s most prominent figures, Richard Chimwendo Banda and Abida Mia, have been conspicuously excluded from the official list of speakers for the highly publicized event.
The omission has raised eyebrows, given the high-ranking status of both individuals within the party structure and their consistent visibility in previous MCP gatherings.
Richard Chimwendo Banda, who serves as Leader of Government Business in Parliament and Minister of Local Government, has often been seen as a powerful mobilizer and a key face of the party in the Southern Region.
Similarly, Abida Mia, the current Minister of Water and Sanitation and a well-known political force in the Lower Shire, is regarded by many as a unifying figure and a loyal pillar of the MCP.
Sources within the party have disclosed that the exclusion of the two heavyweights was not accidental, but rather a calculated political decision made by elements within the party’s inner circle.
According to these sources, there are growing tensions and power struggles among competing factions within MCP, each trying to assert dominance ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Observers believe that the exclusion signals deeper fractures within the party’s top brass, potentially reflecting unresolved disputes over succession planning, regional representation, and loyalty to the current leadership.
Party insiders suggest that the move could be a strategy to sideline figures who are perceived as either too ambitious or as potential threats to emerging alliances within the MCP hierarchy.
The exclusion of Chimwendo Banda and Mia has already begun to stir discontent among grassroots supporters, especially in regions where the two politicians command significant influence.
Social media has been awash with reactions from party supporters questioning the rationale behind the decision and demanding transparency in the organization of the Njamba rally.
Political analysts warn that such internal divisions, if not managed carefully, could erode public trust in the MCP’s unity and preparedness ahead of the upcoming elections.
They further caution that the party risks alienating key regions and voter blocs if it appears to be favoring certain individuals over others without clear explanation.
Some party loyalists have expressed concern that the rally could lose its intended momentum and effectiveness if such high-profile leaders are absent from the platform.
There are also fears that the situation may escalate if reconciliation efforts are not promptly undertaken to address the perceived exclusion and restore unity.
At the time of writing, neither Chimwendo Banda nor Abidam Mia has publicly commented on the matter, though their silence is being interpreted by many as a reflection of the seriousness of the issue.
Meanwhile, the MCP’s National Executive Committee has yet to issue an official statement clarifying the criteria used to determine the speakers’ lineup for the Njamba rally.
The development has sparked calls from within and outside the party for greater inclusivity and transparency in decision-making processes.
As the political climate heats up in the run-up to the 2025 elections, the Malawi Congress Party now faces a critical test of its ability to maintain internal cohesion while presenting a united front to the electorate.
What was meant to be a celebratory and mobilizing event for the MCP at Njamba Freedom Park is now mired in controversy and speculation over favoritism and internal sabotage.
With days remaining before the rally, all eyes are on the party leadership to see whether corrective action will be taken to address the divisions now laid bare in the public domain.
