By Wadza Botomani
Bantu Saunders Jumah, president of the Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP), has issued a scathing statement accusing the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of fostering violence and undermining democracy ahead of the September 2025 elections. In his statement titled “MCP and DPP Laying Eggs of War in Malawi,” Jumah traces a history of autocracy, broken promises, and electoral malpractice, warning of escalating tensions unless systemic reforms are implemented.
A Legacy of Violence and Broken Promises
Jumah condemns MCP’s 1964–1994 rule as “violent, dictatorial, and atrocious,” noting that Malawians embraced multiparty democracy in 1994 hoping for change. However, he argues subsequent governments, including the DPP, replicated the same oppressive tendencies. The DPP, born from UDF infighting in 2005, allegedly adopted “tyrannical” tactics to retain power, culminating in its 2020 electoral defeat amid corruption scandals .
MCP, which returned to power in 2020 on a platform of reform, is accused of betraying public trust. Jumah highlights rampant corruption, tribalism, and economic collapse under the Tonse Alliance, citing the arrest of Vice President Saulos Chilima—one of 84 corruption suspects—as politically motivated. Chilima’s subsequent death in a suspicious plane crash further eroded confidence in the government .
Electoral Manipulation and Desperation
With opinion polls showing dwindling support, Jumah alleges MCP is resorting to “jungle tricks” to rig the 2025 elections, including manipulating voter registration and exploiting poor internet infrastructure. He criticizes the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for lacking independence and calls for manual voting to ensure transparency .
The statement also condemns MCP’s alleged distribution of cash handouts to sway voters, a claim the party denies . Jumah warns that such tactics, coupled with violence against opponents, risk plunging Malawi into chaos.
Calls for Reform
Jumah proposes six reforms to salvage Malawi’s democracy, including:
- Replacing MEC with an Independent Electoral Commission.
- Depoliticizing electoral appointments.
- Adopting manual voting to curb fraud.
- Criminalizing political violence.
- Promoting issue-based politics.
- Barring governing parties from overseeing elections .
He concludes with a plea: “Eggs of war have been laid and are now being hatched. We don’t want war in Malawi!”—urging citizens to demand free, fair, and credible elections .
