King of Chewa People in Malawi , Mozambique and Zambia His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi , with powers vested into him has appointed Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) steering committee members to steer the foundation for the next three years.
In a press statement, chairman for the foundation Stanley Chakhumbira Khaila says this is in accordance to the Constitution under Section 5.4.
Khaila says the appointment is with immediate effect.
According to the statement the following is the steering committee with immediate effect;
Chairman: Stanley Chakhumbila Khaila with Eliot Lungu Phiri as vice
Secretary General: Ellia Chizimba with Josiah Mayani as Vice. Treasurer General Humphrey Murray Director of Investment: Dr Dwight Kambuku
Diretor of Publicity is Beatrice Bangula. Director of education and research: Mathias Mbuzi.
Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) commends Public Affairs Committee (PAC) for convening all-inclusive stakeholders conference taking place from 20 to 21 May, 2025 at Mount Soche in Blantyre under the theme “Securing Consensus on Transparent and Accountable Governance through Dialogue,”.
In a press statement chairperson for CSEIF Benedicto Kondowe said the focus on elections, political violence and economy speaks directly to the pressing priorities as these are not isolated issues but interconnected pillars that determine the stability and future of the country’s democracy and national well being.
Kondowe
“We applaud PAC’s consistency in providing a trusted platform for inclusive national dialogue since it’s inception; fostering reflection, consensus, and solutions on critical governance and development challenges,” reads part of the statement.
CSEIF urge stakeholders to approach the dialogue with constructive engagement, sobriety and a deep sense of national responsibilities for the collective commitment to a greater good.
CSEIF is therefore calling for actionable outcomes from the dialogue that can be formed into policy direction for a stronger Malawi.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has assured people of Likuni, in Lilongwe that President Lazarus Chakwera is geared to continue with development across the country.
Chimwendo-Banda said this during a rally at Likuni boys secondary school ground on Sunday 18 May, 2025.
Chimwendo-Banda acknowledge the Chakwera led administration for the developmental foundations it has laid and that the President is geared to continue once elected again into power on September 16.
Chimwendo
“We also come to unveil our candidates here, who are standing here in Likuni and Chinsapo, these are vibrant and young candidates and we are very sure they are going to win their sits,” he said.
Zebron Chilondola MCP Regional Governor for the central region has urged all MCP candidates who have failed to during primary elections to unite in supporting those who have won inorder to succeed in the September 16 polls.
“Forget about the past, let’s unite this is Malawi Congress Party,” he said.
Traditional Authority Malili has praised President Lazarus Chakwera for the development initiatives in his area including new houses at Chinsapo Secondary School, including police unit.
He also added that President Chakwera has made progress in constructing new roads and rehabilitating more across the country.
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has challenged the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to provide a detailed account of how the election management system procured from Smartmatic will be used in the September 16 general election.
In a statement issued by HRDC chairperson Gift Trapence, the organization expressed concerns over the level of politically motivated violence and misinformation surrounding the electoral management system.
Trapence emphasized that Malawians deserve issue-based campaigns, not chaos, insults, and intimidation.
Trapence
He called on political party leaders to adhere to the elections code of conduct, which advocates for peace and unity.
“We need to promote a culture of respect and tolerance, and ensure that our elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner,” Trapence said.
While the HRDC supports the adoption of the Smartmatic system, they stress the need for a reformed, professional, and independent MEC to manage the polls with integrity.
“We believe that the MEC should be transparent about how the Smartmatic system will work, and ensure that it is used to enhance the credibility of the electoral process,” Trapence added.
The HRDC’s demands highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
As Malawi prepares for the general election, it is crucial that the MEC provides clear information about the Smartmatic system and ensures that it is used to promote the integrity of the polls.
The organization’s concerns about politically motivated violence and misinformation are also timely, given the current campaign environment.
By promoting issue-based campaigns and adhering to the elections code of conduct, political party leaders can help to create a peaceful and respectful electoral environment.
The HRDC’s challenge to the MEC is a call for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
By providing clear information about the Smartmatic system and ensuring its integrity, the MEC can help to build trust in the electoral process and promote a peaceful and credible general election.
District Chairpersons from the North South Region of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) have condemned the ongoing misunderstandings surrounding primary elections in Nkhatabay Central and Mzimba Central.
The chairpersons expressed concern that the confusion goes against the party’s four cornerstones, emphasizing the need for unity and adherence to party principles.
Speaking at a press briefing in Mzuzu, the chairpersons announced that they have agreed to work together to resolve the challenges affecting the primaries in their districts.
Matthews Shaba
Nkhatabay District Chairperson Manase Benga Chiumia highlighted the problems in his district, which arose when some candidates refused to follow the new voting system using a secret ballot.
This refusal risked creating disorder and undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
In Mzimba Central, Euthini District Secretary Matthews Shaba cited irregularities in the elections, including the absence of one candidate for the Member of Parliamentary seat, some delegates, councillors, and MCP regional officials during the process.
These irregularities compromised the credibility of the elections and created disputes among party members.
Despite these challenges, the MCP North South Region chairpersons have demonstrated a commitment to unity and problem-solving.
By working together, they aim to resolve the disputes and ensure that the party’s primary elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
The meeting, attended by prominent party officials including Sofaya Theu from Luwerezi, OB Gondwe from Mzimba Boma, Kefasi Chisi from Mzimba District, Zanazoni Mhone, the Treasurer General from Mzimba Luwerezi, and Phillip Shapushapu from Likoma, underscores the party’s efforts to strengthen internal democracy and cohesion.
The MCP’s four cornerstones – Unity, Discipline, Loyalty, and Hard work – serve as the foundation of the party’s values and principles.
By upholding these cornerstones, the party can build trust among its members and the broader electorate.
The disputes in Nkhatabay Central and Mzimba Central highlight the importance of clear electoral processes and adherence to party rules.
The MCP’s efforts to address these challenges will likely contribute to a more stable and united party, better equipped to face future electoral contests.
The MCP North South Region chairpersons’ commitment to resolving primary election disputes demonstrates a positive step towards party unity and cohesion.
By working together and upholding the party’s principles, the MCP can overcome internal challenges and strengthen its position in Malawian politics.
