By Dean Chisambo
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has assured the people of Dowa District that President Lazarus Chakwera will continue implementing development projects, as he is expected to retain power after the September 16, 2025, elections.
Speaking during a political rally held at Dowa Community Ground on Sunday, Chimwendo told a large crowd that they had come to encourage and motivate residents that the development initiatives they have witnessed under the current administration will continue beyond the elections.
He cited key infrastructure projects initiated by President Chakwera in Dowa, including the road from Lumbadzi through Mponela to Dowa, and another from Mdzaleka to Ntchisi.
“These are very critical roads,” said Chimwendo. “Our people here are farmers, and they will greatly benefit from these roads as they will be able to transport their produce to major markets across the country—something that was lacking for a long time.”
Chimwendo also highlighted the construction of a major dam designed to supply water across the entire district. He added that the renovation of Dowa District Hospital is underway, while the construction of Mponela Rural Hospital is nearly complete.
He further praised President Chakwera for constructing several school classroom blocks throughout Dowa District, contributing to improved access to education.
The MCP Secretary General called on the people to remain peaceful and united, urging them to support President Chakwera, the party, and candidates who won the primary elections. He cautioned against backing independent candidates, warning that they divide the vote.
Chimwendo also revealed that the MCP government has already budgeted for the construction of a modern Dowa District Hospital and a community stadium in Dowa.
In his remarks, former Minister of Trade and Finance Sosten Gwengwe criticized past economic policies pursued since the dawn of democracy, stating that they failed to meet the country’s developmental aspirations.
He commended President Chakwera for his bold steps to reset the economy, aiming for national self-reliance.
“The only thing a wise leader can do is to focus on home-grown policies that can turn the country around,” said Gwengwe. “Chakwera’s focus on Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, and Manufacturing (ATMM) is aimed at making Malawi self-reliant, rather than depending on economic trends in Europe and America.”
Also speaking at the rally, MCP Regional Chairman Patrick Zebron Chilondola said the rally aimed to unify party supporters in preparation for the September 16 elections. He stressed that MCP would support only candidates who won the party’s primaries, as the party does not endorse independent parliamentary candidates.
