By Burnett Munthali
Supporters of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in the Mude area of Kasiya, Lilongwe District, have been urged by some traditional leaders to ask Judith Zaina Nkhwangwi to contest as an independent candidate for the constituency’s parliamentary seat.
This appeal comes amid growing concerns and uncertainty surrounding the results of the MCP’s primary elections held on April 19, whose official outcomes have not yet been announced.
Rumors circulating among residents in the jurisdiction of Senior Chief Khongoni suggest that Mphatso Boti emerged victorious in the primaries.
However, some community members feel the process was flawed, with complaints and suspicions being voiced in local discussions.
According to Ronald Daimoni, a community leader from Kabudula-Demera Zone, it was wise to heed the chiefs’ call and inform Ms. Nkhwangwi of the desire from grassroots communities for her to stand as an independent candidate.
He emphasized that this reflects the genuine will of the people in the area, who feel their voice is being stifled by party influences.
Daimoni issued a stern warning to some party officials whom he accused of intentionally interfering in the primary election process because they have their preferred candidate.
He argued that such interference violates the democratic rights of ordinary villagers who deserve to freely choose their representative.
He went on to claim that it is evident the primary election process on April 19 was mishandled, hence the delay in publicly announcing the results, unlike in other constituencies where results were declared swiftly and transparently.
He expressed concern over the inconsistency between the records kept in the official Constituency Book and those held by the electoral administrators of the primaries.
Daimoni said this discrepancy has raised serious doubts about the credibility of the entire process and has fueled the frustration now felt by community members.
He added that the failure to address these concerns openly has only deepened suspicion and made the demand for a more transparent alternative stronger.
It is in this context that traditional authorities have now stepped in, advising constituents to rally behind Ms. Nkhwangwi as an independent candidate to ensure their voices are not silenced.
Observers say this move could signal growing discontent with internal party procedures and a push for greater accountability within political parties.
As the MCP continues to delay the release of the primary results for Kasiya, the groundswell of support for Ms. Nkhwangwi may evolve into a full-blown political shift in the constituency.
The coming weeks are likely to be tense, as party leaders, aspiring candidates, and voters navigate the fallout of what many see as a compromised selection process.
For now, residents in Kasiya await clarity — but their message is clear: they want a leader who represents their true will, even if it means stepping outside party lines.
