By Burnett Munthali

The political future of Vice President Michael Usi’s much-hyped political party, Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, has hit an unexpected legal stumbling block.

The Registrar of Political Parties has confirmed that the party is not registered under Malawi’s Political Parties Act.

This revelation has sent shockwaves across the country’s political spectrum, especially among supporters who believed the party was ready to challenge the status quo.

The announcement comes at a time when Usi, a charismatic and unconventional politician, has been widely rumored to be preparing for a post-Chakwera political role.

In a formal communication, the Registrar emphasized that despite public perception, Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu is not recognized as a political party under the current law.

According to the Political Parties Act, any entity intending to participate in electoral processes must first undergo a thorough registration process with the Registrar of Political Parties.

This process includes submission of the party’s constitution, symbols, leadership details, and commitment to democratic principles, among other requirements.

The Registrar’s office stated that Usi’s grouping has not submitted the required documents nor fulfilled the necessary legal obligations.

As a result, any political activity conducted under the banner of Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu could be deemed unlawful.

This legal clarification has raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of Usi’s recent public engagements which appeared to bear the markings of organized political mobilization.

Critics are now questioning whether Usi and his inner circle have been misleading the public with premature branding of a non-existent political structure.

Others, however, are defending the Vice President, suggesting that the announcement might be a strategic or administrative delay rather than a deliberate act of non-compliance.

Some observers argue that the name Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, which loosely translates to “He who eats what is his has no case to answer,” may have been used more as a slogan than an official party name.

Nevertheless, the Registrar was unequivocal in his statement that no such party exists in the official records.

This legal position complicates the political narrative surrounding Usi, who has built a reputation as a reformist and a voice of the people.

Supporters of the Vice President had already begun associating themselves with the “Odya Zake” movement, which they believed would form the foundation of Usi’s future presidential campaign.

Now, these supporters are left with confusion and disappointment, wondering whether their hopes were built on a political illusion.

The development also exposes a growing trend in Malawian politics where popular figures prematurely launch political movements without completing the necessary legal groundwork.

The Registrar has since issued a stern warning to all individuals and groups intending to operate as political parties without registration.

He stressed that any political entity must respect the rule of law and follow due process before engaging in political activities or mobilizing supporters.

Legal experts are already weighing in on the issue, suggesting that if Usi continues using the name without formal registration, he could face sanctions or be barred from contesting in future elections under that banner.

This latest development is expected to generate further debate on political accountability and the regulation of party formation in Malawi.

It also poses serious questions about the Vice President’s political strategy as the country prepares for the 2025 general elections.

So far, Usi has not issued an official response to the Registrar’s announcement, leaving many Malawians eager to hear his side of the story.

Some believe that Usi may still register the party in due course, while others suspect he may abandon the name altogether to avoid further scrutiny.

Whatever the outcome, this episode underscores the importance of legality, transparency, and preparation in the political arena.

As things stand, the idea of Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu as a political party remains just that—an idea.

Until it is registered, the catchy slogan remains legally hollow and politically uncertain.

In the meantime, the message is loud and clear: Odya zake ali ndi mlandu—those who benefit outside the bounds of law will always be held to account.