By Dean Chisambo
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has strongly condemned political violence across all political parties as the country prepares for the September 16, 2025 General Election.
Chimwendo made the remarks on Saturday at Chatata Primary School in Lilongwe during the unveiling of Gift Nankhuni as the party’s shadow Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Constituency.
He emphasized that the MCP is committed to preaching peace and unity, despite criticism that the party only promotes such messages from the podium. Chimwendo insisted that the party’s calls for peace are genuine and necessary for national cohesion.
“We need to ensure that peace prevails,” he said. “All political parties in the country should have the freedom to operate anywhere. This area must accommodate every party because that is the multiparty democracy we voted for during the referendum.”
Chimwendo stressed the importance of moving beyond rhetoric, urging all political players to act on their calls for peace and not just speak about it during campaign events.
He said the MCP is implementing mechanisms to maintain peace and order during the election period, warning that those who hide under the MCP banner to incite violence will be identified and dealt with.
“We are not just engaging in podium politics,” he added. “We are serious about ensuring that peace mechanisms are put in place and followed.”
Chimwendo also announced that the government has made plans to distribute maize to families in the area affected by the recent dry spell in the Central Region.
He assured the people that President Lazarus Chakwera remains committed to supporting them during hard times and will continue to be present both in moments of need and celebration.
Chimwendo concluded by appealing to the residents to vote for President Chakwera and Gift Nankhuni in the upcoming elections to ensure the continuation of development projects and social support programmes such as infrastructure expansion and the Social Cash Transfer.
In his remarks, Gift Nankhuni promised the people that, if elected as Member of Parliament, he would prioritize the construction of a hospital and a secondary school in the constituency.
Meanwhile, Senior Group Chatata urged the government to fast-track maize distribution and increase the number of beneficiaries under the Social Cash Transfer Programme for vulnerable households in the area.
