Lilongwe, Malawi — A silent but deepening cold war is unfolding within the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) following the endorsement of Vitumbiko Mumba as the party’s official running mate in the upcoming September 16 presidential elections.
While the MCP leadership has publicly presented the decision as a show of unity and strategic foresight, insider accounts reveal a growing rift among senior officials, regional blocs, and long-standing loyalists of President Lazarus Chakwera.
Endorsement Sparks Internal Division
According to party insiders, the endorsement of Mumba, a youthful and relatively fresh face in national politics, has not sat well with several heavyweights who were quietly lobbying for the slot. Sources point to senior MCP figures who feel overlooked despite their loyalty, political experience, and strong grassroots networks.
One central region lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the development as “a decision that has created silent bitterness,” adding that many feel the move sidelines seasoned leaders who have been pillars of the party since its resurgence in 2019.
North vs Central Power Tussle
The decision to settle for Mumba, who hails from the Northern Region, is seen as a calculated attempt to balance regional power ahead of the polls. However, analysts argue it has unintentionally rekindled regional rivalries within MCP.
For decades, MCP has drawn its core support from the Central Region. Some members fear that placing a relatively unknown northern politician at the heart of the ticket may weaken the party’s historical base while failing to guarantee new votes from the north.
Political analyst Martha Kamanga told local media:
“The endorsement of Vitumbiko Mumba is a high-stakes gamble. It can either rebrand MCP as a party of inclusivity or spark deep internal fractures if not managed carefully.”
Frustrations Among Party Veterans
Beyond regional concerns, there are whispers of discontent among MCP veterans who feel sidelined in favor of younger leaders. Several senior officials, once tipped as potential running mates, have reportedly scaled back campaign efforts, fueling speculation of silent protest within the ranks.
Observers warn that this growing unease could impact MCP’s campaign machinery. “Internal cold wars are dangerous during elections,” one political commentator noted. “They sap energy, divide resources, and embolden opponents who thrive on exploiting cracks.”
Implications for September Elections
The unfolding cold war within MCP comes at a delicate moment, as Malawi gears up for a tightly contested election. With opposition parties rallying behind heavyweights like Peter Mutharika, Dalitso Kabambe, and Joyce Banda, any internal fractures in the ruling party could prove costly at the ballot box.
The endorsement of Vitumbiko Mumba may offer MCP a youthful image and regional diversity, but the party now faces the difficult task of managing bruised egos and quelling discontent behind the scenes.
Whether President Chakwera can hold his party together and present a united front in the coming weeks remains one of the biggest questions in Malawi’s 2025 elections.
