By Burnett Munthali
Edwards Kambanje of the Concerned Citizens of Malawi has come forward to express his candid views on the state of political alliances in Malawi.
In his analysis, based on recent political developments and alliances, Kambanje argues that these pacts have not served the interests of Malawians.
According to an audio clip circulating on social media, which he released on Monday, April 14, 2025, alliances do not bring any meaningful benefit to the people of Malawi.
He points to the most popular political alliance formed in 2020 between the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the United Transformation Movement (UTM) as a perfect example of failure.
In that alliance, several promises were made to the public, but unfortunately, none of those promises have been fulfilled to date.
Kambanje notes that instead of being accountable, the alliance partners have resorted to blaming each other.
They have publicly denied making specific campaign promises, claiming instead that their political counterparts are the ones who made them.
Statements like “In our campaign promises we did not mention this or that” have become common, which, according to Kambanje, reflects the poor preparation and dishonesty behind these alliances.
He argues that such preparation for political pacts came at the wrong time and are ill-suited for a nation like Malawi.
Kambanje goes further to say that, considering what the country has gone through in the past few years, he sees no significance in political alliances at all.
He stresses that there are numerous areas where alliances have failed to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
In his observation, political leaders appear more concerned about their personal gain once they enter government than about what the alliance as a whole can deliver for Malawians.
He notes that there is visible fear among political parties when it comes to working with others, especially those they deem too strong or influential.
Every political leader, he claims, seems to be focused on personal benefits from the government once they win elections.
Such a mindset, Kambanje warns, will forever hinder Malawi’s development.
He says the nation cannot progress in an environment where selfish political interests override the collective good.
As a way forward, Kambanje encourages all political parties in Malawi to go flat out and campaign individually on the ground.
He believes that parties must first earn trust and support from the people directly, not by associating with other parties for convenience.
On the legal front, he reflects on the High Court ruling that introduced the 50+1 system in presidential elections.
Kambanje argues that the ruling has not helped Malawi but rather compelled political parties to form alliances with allies they neither trust nor genuinely want to work with.
He laments that Malawi is a country overrun by selfish and self-centered individuals, especially within the political class.
Such behavior, he says, will continue to stagnate the country, as leaders focus more on power struggles than real partnerships.
Kambanje warns of a looming challenge: while Malawians might elect a new political alliance in the upcoming 2025 elections, the real problem will emerge after 2030.
There will be serious succession issues, and in the end, national development will suffer.
He strongly urges political parties to form alliances with the people on the ground—the electorate—and not with other political parties.
Such political pacts, he warns, are a waste of time and public resources, with no lasting benefit to the citizens.
He goes on to criticize some political parties that have registered for elections but have no real agenda or substance for national development.
His recommendation is that such small, aimless political parties should be deregistered.
According to Kambanje, their only motivation is to make a name for themselves and possibly earn cabinet positions—not to serve Malawians.
In closing, he emphasizes that if Malawi is to move forward, the political landscape must shift from elite self-interest to grassroots engagement and accountability.
