By Suleman Chitera
In a move that sends fresh tremors through the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), Machinga East Member of Parliament Esther Jolobala has resigned as the party’s campaign director, barely weeks before crucial by-elections scheduled for 17 March 2026.
Jolobala confirmed her resignation in a letter addressed to UDF Secretary General, saying the decision was driven by the need to focus fully on her parliamentary duties as Second Deputy Speaker.
“I have made this decision so that I may fully concentrate on the new role of Second Deputy Speaker, a position Malawians have entrusted me with, which requires my undivided attention,” reads part of the letter.
Her exit from the campaign command structure comes at a politically sensitive time, as parties intensify preparations for the upcoming by-elections, widely seen as a litmus test for opposition strength ahead of the next general election cycle.
Jolobala’s dual role as a senior UDF campaign figure and a presiding officer in Parliament had already attracted quiet debate within political circles, with critics questioning whether the positions could be effectively balanced without conflict or dilution of focus.
As of press time, the UDF had not issued an official response to her resignation, leaving questions hanging over who will steer the party’s campaign machinery at a critical moment and whether internal adjustments are underway behind the scenes.
The development is likely to fuel speculation about strategic recalibrations within the UDF, as well as renewed scrutiny of how political parties manage the competing demands of partisan politics and constitutional offices.
With the March by-elections fast approaching, Jolobala’s departure from the campaign frontline adds a new layer of uncertainty to an already tense political landscape.
