By Burnett Munthali
The recent general elections left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters, sparking internal debates and critiques of leadership performance.
While Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has been singled out for criticism, blaming one individual oversimplifies a multifaceted electoral outcome.
Historically, MCP’s performance has fluctuated with shifts in leadership, national sentiment, and party strategy.
In the 2019 and 2020 elections, MCP leveraged widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to secure victory, demonstrating the party’s ability to mobilize public support when the broader political and socio-economic context favored it.
However, the 2025 elections presented a different landscape. Internal divisions, emerging opposition coalitions, and voter fatigue played significant roles in shaping outcomes, factors beyond the control of any single party official.
Political analysts argue that structural weaknesses, including limited grassroots engagement in certain regions and inconsistent messaging, contributed to MCP’s setbacks.
Chimwendo Banda’s one-year tenure as Secretary General coincided with these broader challenges, making it unfair to attribute the party’s defeat solely to his leadership.
The “cadets” controversy illustrates the complexity of party management. Many members criticized as problematic joined during the previous administration, highlighting the difficulty of reconciling new leadership objectives with established structures and personnel.
Experts stress that purging long-standing members risks alienating committed supporters and could be perceived as internal vendetta rather than genuine reform.
Dr. Patricia Chirwa, a political analyst at Chancellor College, notes that “MCP’s setbacks are symptomatic of broader institutional and strategic challenges. Leadership is important, but so is a coherent strategy, internal cohesion, and adaptability to changing political contexts.”
Comparatively, other parties in Malawi have experienced similar post-election introspections. The DPP faced internal crises after 2019 and again in 2022 following contested nominations, demonstrating that electoral disappointments often trigger debates about leadership, strategy, and party renewal.
For MCP, the path forward lies not in blaming individuals but in critically evaluating party structures, decision-making processes, and the mechanisms that enable effective grassroots mobilization.
Investments in leadership development, inclusive decision-making, and evidence-based policy communication are essential. Additionally, fostering a culture of accountability while avoiding factional purges will help build long-term party resilience.
Political commentator Mabvuto Bamusi argues that “MCP must institutionalize reform, not personalize it. Only by embedding professionalism, transparency, and strategic foresight can the party regain public trust and electoral viability.”
Ultimately, the 2025 election results should be treated as an opportunity for reflection, learning, and renewal rather than a platform for personal blame.
By acknowledging historical patterns, understanding structural limitations, and implementing measured reforms, MCP can position itself to reengage Malawian voters and strengthen its democratic credentials in future contests.
