By Burnett Munthali

A fresh dispute has erupted within the main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) over who should rightfully occupy the position of Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

Recently, the party’s president, Lazarus Chakwera, appointed Simplex Chithyola Banda to serve as the new Leader of Opposition, a decision that has since triggered internal disagreement.

However, the party’s Deputy Secretary General, Gerald Kazembe, has written to the Speaker of Parliament, Sameer Suleman, asking that MCP Members of Parliament hold an election to choose the Leader of Opposition instead of accepting a direct appointment.

In his letter, Kazembe argues that according to Section 35 of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, the process of selecting a Leader of Opposition must involve a formal vote by Members of Parliament, not a presidential nomination.

Kazembe insists that the party must adhere to parliamentary procedure to preserve transparency and democratic integrity within its ranks.

His intervention has exposed growing tensions between the MCP leadership and some members who feel that internal democracy within the party is being compromised.

Despite the challenge, Simplex Chithyola Banda has already assumed his duties as Leader of Opposition, having started performing his parliamentary responsibilities late last week.

Chithyola Banda’s appointment is seen by some party insiders as part of Chakwera’s strategy to strengthen his control over the MCP’s parliamentary wing following recent defections and internal disagreements.

Political analysts have described the development as a test of unity for the MCP, warning that prolonged disputes over leadership positions could weaken the opposition’s effectiveness in holding government accountable.

Observers also note that Speaker Sameer Suleman now faces a delicate task in handling the matter, as his ruling could set an important precedent for how internal party appointments intersect with parliamentary procedures.

The controversy has reignited debate over the balance of power within Malawi’s opposition politics, with some arguing that parties must respect parliamentary autonomy while others support the president’s right to make appointments for strategic cohesion.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on how the MCP will resolve this leadership crisis — a development that could either consolidate or fracture the party’s parliamentary standing in the months ahead.

By Burnett Munthali

A fresh dispute has erupted within the main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) over who should rightfully occupy the position of Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

Recently, the party’s president, Lazarus Chakwera, appointed Simplex Chithyola Banda to serve as the new Leader of Opposition, a decision that has since triggered internal disagreement.

However, the party’s Deputy Secretary General, Gerald Kazembe, has written to the Speaker of Parliament, Sameer Suleman, asking that MCP Members of Parliament hold an election to choose the Leader of Opposition instead of accepting a direct appointment.

In his letter, Kazembe argues that according to Section 35 of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, the process of selecting a Leader of Opposition must involve a formal vote by Members of Parliament, not a presidential nomination.

Kazembe insists that the party must adhere to parliamentary procedure to preserve transparency and democratic integrity within its ranks.

His intervention has exposed growing tensions between the MCP leadership and some members who feel that internal democracy within the party is being compromised.

Despite the challenge, Simplex Chithyola Banda has already assumed his duties as Leader of Opposition, having started performing his parliamentary responsibilities late last week.

Chithyola Banda’s appointment is seen by some party insiders as part of Chakwera’s strategy to strengthen his control over the MCP’s parliamentary wing following recent defections and internal disagreements.

Political analysts have described the development as a test of unity for the MCP, warning that prolonged disputes over leadership positions could weaken the opposition’s effectiveness in holding government accountable.

Observers also note that Speaker Sameer Suleman now faces a delicate task in handling the matter, as his ruling could set an important precedent for how internal party appointments intersect with parliamentary procedures.

The controversy has reignited debate over the balance of power within Malawi’s opposition politics, with some arguing that parties must respect parliamentary autonomy while others support the president’s right to make appointments for strategic cohesion.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on how the MCP will resolve this leadership crisis — a development that could either consolidate or fracture the party’s parliamentary standing in the months ahead.