Politics
Juliana Kaduya triumphs over Vera Kamtukule in hotly contested MCP Primary Elections

By Burnett Munthali
In a major political development, Juliana Kaduya has emerged victorious in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary elections.
The primaries took place on Sunday, 27th April 2025, at Chiwoko Primary School in Chilinde, Lilongwe.
According to reports from reliable sources, the election was fiercely contested, attracting significant attention from party members and political observers alike.
Juliana Kaduya’s victory marks a pivotal moment in the MCP’s preparations for the upcoming 2025 general elections.

The primary elections were seen as a critical test of popularity and grassroots support within the party.
Minister Vera Kamtukule, who was also contesting for the same seat, suffered a surprising defeat.
Observers noted that the mood at Chiwoko Primary School was intense throughout the day, with passionate supporters rallying behind their preferred candidates.
Voting started early in the morning and continued into the afternoon under tight supervision to ensure transparency.
Security was visibly heightened, with police officers and party marshals present to maintain order and prevent any disruptions.
As the counting process began, excitement grew among the gathered crowds, with supporters chanting and waving party flags.
When the final tally was announced, Juliana Kaduya’s supporters erupted into jubilant celebrations.
Songs of victory echoed through the grounds, and chants praising Kaduya’s leadership flooded the atmosphere.
Sources indicated that Kaduya’s strategic grassroots campaign and her longstanding connection with local communities played a significant role in her win.
Her message focused heavily on community development, inclusiveness, and loyalty to the party’s core values.
On the other hand, Vera Kamtukule’s defeat was described as a stunning setback, given her high-profile position as a cabinet minister.
Some political analysts pointed to internal party dynamics and local dissatisfaction with certain government policies as contributing factors to Kamtukule’s loss.
Despite the defeat, Kamtukule’s camp maintained a composed and respectful demeanor, congratulating Kaduya and pledging continued support for the party’s unity.
Party officials quickly moved to urge both camps to come together for the bigger goal of ensuring victory for MCP in the forthcoming elections.
Speaking to reporters shortly after her victory, Juliana Kaduya expressed deep gratitude to her supporters and the MCP leadership.
She emphasized that her win was not just personal, but a collective triumph for the people of Chilinde and the party as a whole.
Kaduya vowed to work tirelessly to represent the interests of her constituents and strengthen the MCP’s position going into the 2025 polls.
She also called for unity within the party, stressing that divisions could only serve to weaken their collective mission.
Meanwhile, MCP officials hailed the primary elections as a success and a demonstration of internal democracy at work.
They affirmed that the party remains committed to providing a level playing field for all its members, regardless of status.
The results at Chiwoko Primary School are already being seen as a potential indicator of shifting political dynamics within the MCP.
As Malawi moves closer to the 2025 general elections, attention will now turn to how the party capitalizes on the momentum generated by these primary elections.
Juliana Kaduya’s win signals a fresh and energizing chapter for the MCP in Lilongwe and possibly beyond.
It remains to be seen how the developments of April 27 will shape the broader political landscape in the months to come.
One thing is certain: the battle for 2025 has officially begun, and Juliana Kaduya is now firmly in the spotlight.
