By Rahim Abdul
Speculation of a possible political alliance between the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) has intensified on social media, even as both parties insist that no such discussions have ever taken place.
The debate follows a statement issued by UDF Secretary General Genarino Lemani, who dismissed claims that the party has entered into an alliance with the MCP ahead of the upcoming by-election in Dedza’s Mtakataka constituency.
In the statement, Lemani clarified that the UDF has not endorsed MCP candidate Patrick Bandawe for the March 17 parliamentary by-election, contrary to reports circulating online.
The clarification came after a video clip widely shared on social media appeared to suggest that the UDF had thrown its support behind the MCP candidate in the race.
However, MCP campaign director Moses Kunkuyu offered a different perspective during an interview with 247 Malawi News, saying the presence of UDF supporters at an MCP rally in Mtakataka was not orchestrated by his party.
Kunkuyu explained that UDF members who attended the rally did so voluntarily and were not invited by the MCP campaign team.
According to him, their attendance could simply indicate personal support for the MCP candidate rather than an official alliance between the two political parties.
He emphasized that MCP and UDF have never held discussions regarding any political partnership related to the Dedza Mtakataka by-election.
Kunkuyu further suggested that the confusion surrounding the matter may be the result of internal administrative issues within the UDF itself.
Despite the denial from both parties, the presence of UDF supporters at MCP events has continued to spark debate among political observers and voters.
The situation highlights how social media narratives can quickly fuel political speculation, especially during tightly contested by-elections.
As the March 17 vote approaches, attention is now shifting to how the rumours and public perceptions may influence voter behaviour in the Mtakataka constituency.
