By Burnett Munthali
Ken Msonda, the Deputy Secretary of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has raised concerns over a growing number of people leaving their political parties to join the Congress Party.
He indicated that these defections are not being announced publicly in the manner other parties often do, leaving the media and the public largely uninformed.
Msonda likened his party to paper money, which is quiet and unobtrusive, in contrast to other parties, which he described as metallic coins that make noise.
Despite this, he emphasized that political parties must take decisive action to address internal challenges, especially when conducting primary elections.
He noted that party leaders often fail to remain connected with their supporters, a disconnect that leads to frustration among members and ultimately prompts them to seek alternatives.
Msonda warned that ignoring these sentiments risks further weakening parties and undermining the trust and loyalty of the people they serve.
He urged party leadership to engage with members sincerely and ensure that their voices are heard, particularly during critical electoral processes.
The deputy secretary’s comments underscore the broader challenge of political accountability in Malawi, highlighting the need for parties to adapt and respond to the aspirations of their members to remain relevant.
As defections continue, the political landscape in Malawi may see significant shifts, emphasizing the importance of responsive and inclusive leadership within all parties.
