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Opposition parties call for MEC chair’s resignation

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Opposition parties call for MEC chair’s resignation

By Chisomo Phiri

Malawi’s opposition parties, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) and United Transformation Movement (UTM) have called on Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja to ‘honourably step down’.

At a press briefing in Lilongwe on Wednesday, the three parties alleged that Mtalimanja is compromised as she is allegedly linked to Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Opposition parties press conference

They also alleged that MEC Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Andrew Mpesi is affiliated to MCP and should also step dow.

The parties further described figures that National Registration Bureau(NRB) presented to have recorded in registration of Malawians as fake.

They also claimed that NRB and MEC are  cooking up figures and Malawians will not be fooled by their actions.

They demanded that NRB conducts registration of Malawians in all centres that MEC will be registering voters to ensure that all eligible voters are registered.

The parties warned that if MEC will not adress their demands,they will call for nationwide demonstrations.

DPP secretary general Peter Mukhito, DPP vice president for Eastern region Bright Msaka, DPP spokesperson Shadreck Namalomba, UTM secretary general Patricia Kaliati, AFORD vice president Timothy Mtambo and other senior officials from the three parties are those that attended the briefing.

Malawi will conduct tripartite elections on September 16,2025.

Mass Defection Hits UDF and UTM as 200 Members Join DPP in Mangochi

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Mass Defection Hits UDF and UTM as 200 Members Join DPP in Mangochi



By Twink Jones Gadama

In a significant blow to the United Democratic Front (UDF) and United Transformation Movement (UTM), approximately 200 members from both parties defected to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Mangochi.

The defection ceremony took place at the Mangochi Municipal Council, where DPP’s Regional Governor, Daud Chikwanje, welcomed the new members.

DPP welcomes UTM and UDF supporters



Notable defectors included Mr. Zimbabwe, former UDF governor, and Mrs Hamida Ali, ex-UTM deputy governor, both from Mangochi’s Mkungulu district. Chikwanje emphasized that the DPP’s leadership under Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika has created an attractive environment for those seeking positive change.

Mr. Zimbabwe expressed his enthusiasm for joining the DPP, citing its proven leadership and commitment to development. He pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the party’s victory in the upcoming elections. Mai Hamida Ali also echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the DPP’s people-centered approach as a key factor in her decision.

The defection is seen as a major boost to the DPP’s prospects in the region, particularly with the upcoming elections.

Chikwanje attributed the mass defection to the DPP’s inclusive and development-oriented agenda, which resonates with the aspirations of the people.

This development comes at a time when the DPP is intensifying its efforts to reclaim its stronghold in the Eastern Region. The party has been engaging in various activities aimed at strengthening its grassroots structures and wooing supporters from other parties.

The UDF and UTM have yet to comment on the defection, but analysts predict that this move may trigger a wave of defections from other opposition parties. As the political landscape continues to shift, one thing is clear: the DPP has secured a significant advantage in the Mangochi region.

As the dust settles on this significant political development, one thing is clear: the DPP has sent a strong message about its intentions to dominate the Eastern Region.

The opposition parties must now regroup and rethink their strategies to remain relevant in the changing political landscape.

President Lazarus Chakwera Attends Non-Governmental Organisations Regulatory Authority Day at Sanjika Palace

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President Lazarus Chakwera Attends Non-Governmental Organisations Regulatory Authority Day at Sanjika Palace



By Burnett Munthali

President Lazarus Chakwera is today attending the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Regulatory Authority Day at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre. This significant event brings together various organisations to commemorate their contributions to Malawi’s social, economic, and development landscape.

The NGO Regulatory Authority Day provides a platform for organisations to showcase their work and highlight the critical roles they play in addressing challenges faced by communities across the country. President Chakwera, along with key government officials, is taking part in this occasion by touring the pavilions, where numerous NGOs have set up displays to present their interventions in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and human rights.



Each pavilion offers a glimpse into the projects and initiatives that these organisations are implementing to improve the livelihoods of Malawians. From healthcare programs to education campaigns and climate resilience projects, the displays represent a broad spectrum of efforts aimed at fostering sustainable development across Malawi.

In his remarks, President Chakwera is expected to commend the NGOs for their commitment to national development and their partnership with the government in addressing key social issues. The President’s participation underscores the importance of collaboration between the government and civil society in achieving Malawi’s development goals.

The NGO Regulatory Authority Day serves as an opportunity for the public and stakeholders to gain insights into the

Government Spoils Judicial Officers with Salary Hikes, but More Benefits Demanded

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Government Spoils Judicial Officers with Salary Hikes, but More Benefits Demanded



By Burnett Munthali

The Malawian government has recently implemented a significant salary increase for judicial officers, elevating their earnings to among the highest within the public sector. This increase encompasses judges, magistrates, and other officials involved in the resolution of legal disputes. However, despite this financial boost, judicial officers are continuing to push for additional benefits, raising questions about the sustainability of such demands amidst Malawi’s economic challenges.

Among the additional perks being requested are an annual school fees allowance of K5 million per child, a furniture allowance of up to K15 million, and a non-practising allowance of K2.5 million per month. The judicial officers argue that these allowances are necessary to maintain a standard of living in line with their roles and responsibilities.

Mzikamanda



This wave of demands comes at a time when Malawi is grappling with a high poverty rate, unemployment, and corruption, sparking mixed reactions from the public. While some argue that judicial officers deserve compensation that reflects their vital role in maintaining the rule of law, others believe that the government should prioritize addressing the nation’s economic crisis before accommodating such requests.

The judiciary remains a crucial pillar of Malawi’s democratic system, and the government’s willingness to increase salaries signals its recognition of this. However, the added pressure for more benefits may lead to further debates on whether the current fiscal environment can support such high demands.

With the economy still recovering from various challenges, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed these calls or urge judicial officers to focus on their current package. Meanwhile, critics argue that such benefits may set a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar demands from other public service sectors.

As the conversation continues, Malawians are left to weigh the balance between rewarding key professionals and ensuring the nation’s economic priorities are met.

Chilumpha’s treason case referred to constitutional court

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Chilumpha’s treason case referred to constitutional court



By Chisomo Phiri

The High Court in Blantyre has referred a case involving former vice president Cassim Chilumpha to the Constitutional Court to decide whether it should continue or not.

The defence recently applied for the case to be taken before the Chief Justice to be certified as a constitutional matter.

They argued that the Constitutional Court should determine whether the delay on the case is reasonable and does not infringe on the rights to fair trial.

Cassim Chilumpha



However,High Court judge Ruth Chinangwa on Wednesday morning agreed with the defence and referred the matter to the Chief Justice to empanel judges to hear the matter.

Chilumpha and former politician Yusuf Matumula are answering treason charges dating back to 2006 on  accusations that they were plotting to assassinate former president late Bingu wa Mutharika.

In 2023, Chilumpha asked the court to discharge the case on the grounds that it had taken too long to be completed.

The former VP is currently aged 64.

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