By Evelyn Namalomba
Opposition Leader in Parliament Simplex Chithyola-Banda has called on Malawians to consider returning the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to govern the country in the 2030 general elections, citing the party’s development record.
He made the remarks shortly after MCP parliamentary candidate Precious Kabambe presented his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) in Lilongwe.
Chithyola-Banda specifically urged voters in the Lilongwe Bwaila Constituency to back Kabambe in the upcoming by-election, describing him as the right choice for the area.
“Momwe zinthu zikuyendera mdziko lino, aMalawi alingalire zodzasankhaso MCP to govern the country in 2030,” Chithyola-Banda told party supporters gathered at the nomination centre.
He argued that the MCP has demonstrated capable leadership and that Kabambe’s election would strengthen the party’s presence in Parliament ahead of the next national vote.
Speaking at the same event, MCP Chairman for Central Region Patrick Zebron Chilondola delivered an even more confident assessment of the by-election.
Chilondola declared that the rerun poll is merely a formality, insisting that Kabambe already won the original election held on September 16.
“Chisankho chachibwereza chomwe chikubwerachi chikudza a Kabambe atapambana kale chisankho chapa 16 September,” Chilondola said, referring to the nullified results.
He advised Kabambe not to worry, reassuring him that the people of Bwaila remain firmly behind him.
“A Kabambe alimbe mtima kaamba koti anthu ali pambuyo pawo,” the MCP chairman said, calling on the candidate to campaign with confidence and without fear.
The Bwaila by-election was triggered after the Malawi Electoral Commission nullified the September 2025 parliamentary results due to irregularities in the handling of void votes. The rerun is scheduled for June 30.
Kabambe is facing Democratic Progressive Party candidate Mike Chinzukila in what is expected to be a tightly contested race.
However, MCP leadership appears united following recent assurances that party spokesperson Jessie Kabwira would not stand as an independent, a move that could have split the vote.
With both Chithyola-Banda and Chilondola now publicly rallying behind Kabambe, the party is signalling a coordinated campaign to reclaim the seat.
Chilondola also used the platform to dismiss any suggestion of low morale within the party, stating that ground support for Kabambe remains strong across all polling areas in the constituency.
