By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Members of Parliament have officially resolved to respect and support President Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to appoint former Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda as the new Leader of Opposition in Parliament.
The decision was made during a closed-door caucus meeting held on Tuesday evening at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
The meeting, which lasted for over two hours, was chaired by the party’s Secretary General, Richard Chimwendo Banda.
Also present at the high-level meeting was the party’s Vice-President, Catherine Gotani Hara, among other senior members of the MCP parliamentary caucus.
Speaking to Nation Online after the meeting, Chimwendo Banda confirmed that all MPs had unanimously agreed to rally behind the President’s appointee.
He emphasized that the resolution reflects the spirit of unity and discipline within the party, as members seek to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of future political goals.
Said Chimwendo Banda: “We have all agreed to rally behind the president’s appointee and we will all work together with one purpose, and that is to make MCP stronger as we are eyeing 2030.”
He further stressed that the party’s focus is now on building a stronger, more organized political structure that will deliver tangible progress and maintain public trust.
Party insiders described the meeting as “peaceful and unifying,” marking a renewed sense of purpose among MCP lawmakers following recent shifts in parliamentary leadership.
The appointment of Simplex Chithyola Banda as Leader of Opposition is seen as a strategic move by President Chakwera to consolidate leadership within the party and ensure continuity in parliamentary coordination.
With this development, the MCP aims to project stability and readiness as it positions itself for the next phase of Malawi’s political and developmental agenda.
