By Jones Gadama
In a shocking declaration made in Parliament, Minister of Local Government and Secretary General for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Richard Chimwendo Banda reiterated President Lazarus Chakwera’s vow to prevent the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from ruling Malawi.
Chimwendo Banda emphatically stated that the MCP will ensure the DPP remains in opposition for 60 years, sparking widespread outrage and accusations of promoting violence and intimidation.
Chimwendo Banda’s remarks came barely two days after President Chakwera declared that he would not accept any loss for the MCP and would seek redress in court, as he did in 2020.
The MCP Secretary General’s statement was met with ululation from government benches, further fueling tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.
The opposition DPP has cried foul, accusing the MCP of sponsoring terror to unleash dissenting views from the DPP.
The party pointed to a recent incident in which suspected MCP thugs invaded Parliament and damaged vehicles belonging to opposition DPP parliamentarians.
Despite being arrested by the police, the suspects were released on bail without spending a night in jail, sparking allegations of MCP interference.
Chimwendo Banda’s statement has raised concerns about the state of democracy in Malawi, with many calling for calm and restraint.
The opposition has vowed to fight back, with many calling for peaceful protests and demonstrations.
As the country gears up for upcoming elections, the MCP’s vow to block the DPP from ruling has raised tensions and sparked fears of violence.
