By Chimwemwe Mtambalika
The favourite candidate to win the Secretary General position in the ruling Malawi Congress Party, Chris Chaima Banda has launched his manifesto. At a colourful function that took place at the party headquarters in Lilongwe on Saturday April 13th, Chaima announced himself to the party delegates that he was in to deliver “a vision for bold, strong and inclusive MCP”
Chaima’s pitch to the party faithful has already stood out as one that is putting togetherness and inclusivity as core to the agenda of thriving the fortunes of MCP. Wrapped in party colours scarf around his neck, the energetic speaking Chaima declared “ We have a vision for the making of Bold , strong and inclusive Malawi congress party, We seek a MCP that will deliver a 70% landslide victory in the 2025 presidential race for His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera “
The Secretary General race, the most coveted in the party has so far seen Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola , Former Mining Minister Dr Albert Mbawala, Former Kasungu legislator Alex Major all declaring interest to contest. The incumbent Eisenhower Mkaka is yet to declare if he will defend his position although many believe he will join the race soon. An independent research is showing Chris Chaima is the favourite to win and popular with the party grassroots seconded by Chithyola.
When drawn to comment on his competitors Chaima shocked many by speaking no ill about any of his competitors but quickly using the opportunity to preach about Unity “ All those that are competing against me for the position are my family, we are one , one Malawi Congress Party “ said Chaima
Chaima is the Chief Advisor to President Chakwera on Strategy, Manifesto implementation and international partnerships . A Pillar of the MCP party for so many years, he brings in experience of working for the British Civil Service for 18 years .
His Manifesto has 20 action points that includes; ensuring financial resources meant for the party are safeguarded from abuse and are distributed and used by all the party structures at National, Regional, District , Constituency and local area levels. He will work towards repairs of the party headquarters, regional and district offices. Chaima will focus on fundraising initiatives to create a financial war chest in readiness for the 2025 general elections
He also spoke of the need for the party to buy vehicles for district chairman in order to improve efficiency. Monthly funding allocations to the Regional and District Offices, availability of party materials to the grassroots, Establishment of a Charity Fund for social Welfare , Establishment of the Veterans board to cater for the veterans of the party, access to business loans , job opportunities for the membership and for the youth empowerment.
The MCP Convention is scheduled to take place in August
