By Staff Reporter

Eastern Region religious leaders have described the win by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in the recent Mangochi – M’baluku by – elections, as a warning shot to the opposition, that the party will triumph in the 2025 general elections.

Unofficial results for the Tuesday Local Government by elections indicate that MCP candidate Stewart has won the elections.

The leaders made the remarks on Wednesday 24th July 2024 when a delegation of Eastern Region Fraternal – a grouping comprising Sheikhs and Pastors met His Excellency , Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, at Chikoko Bay State Lodge in Mangochi District.

In his remarks, Sheikh Abdul Karim Kachulu from Machinga said MCP’s win in mangochi is clear indication of what will happen come 2025 general elections.

“The win has opened a gate way for MCP to win upcoming 2025 general elections. People used to say that Mangochi is a home to other parties but this is history now. MCP has penetrated Mangochi and come next year, Chakwera will win,” he declared.

Sheikh Karim explained that people are rallying behind Chakwera because he walks the talk in terms of development.

Eastern Region Fraternal National Coordinator and Overseer of Destiny Missionaries International, Bishop Andrew Mankhanamba, praised President Chakwera for his transformational leadership.

Mankhanamba cited Mega Farms initiative, roads and railway infrastructure as well as the revamping of the tourism sector, as key areas in which the current government has scored highly.

Mankhanamba then hailed President Chakwera for uniting all of Malawi regardless of  political inclinations.

He said Malawi needed a strong president like Chakwera to lay a strong foundation that will be enjoyed by future generations as well.

Mankhanamba added that Chakwera has demonstrated visionary leadership by taking steps to prepare for the future, today.

“Transformational leadership is difficult to sustain in a country like ours because wants instant results,” he emphasized.

“Transformational leadership needs a lot of patience. We thank you for the direction that you are taking our nation to.”

Concurring with Sheikh Karim, Mangochi Fraternal Chairperson Debora Julio Phiri,  said Chakwera will win the next elections because people want him to finalize the development works that he has started.

Taking his turn, Sheikh Sulimana Jimu said religious leaders are praying for Chakwera to win the next elections.

“The past years have been hell due to various challenges such as natural disasters, including harsh economic climate. We want to give you another term for you to complete your vision,” he said.

Reverend Father Tebulo from Anglican Church Upper Shire praised President Chakwera for maintaining composure and calm following the loss of late Right Honourable Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight officials in a plane crash in Chikangawa.

Deputy Special Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs Sheikh Hashim Abbasi thanked the president for granting the religious leaders a chance to meet them.

In his speech, President Chakwera told the chiefs that his vision is to end hunger by making Malawi a producing nation.

He further appealed to the religious leaders to advise their subjects against wanton cutting down of trees.

President Chakwera added that government will soon distribute 2 million environmental friendly cooking stoves, to prevent communities from resorting destroying the environment.