John Bande exits MCP, faces uncertain political future

By Burnett Munthali

John Bande, the legislator for Machinjiri-Makhetha in Blantyre, has announced his departure from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). This decision comes amid growing discontent from the local youth who have voiced their displeasure and made it clear that they would not support him in the 2025 elections if he remains with MCP.

The discontent among the youth led Bande to a decisive move, culminating in a formal letter addressed to senior MCP officials and Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara. In the letter, Bande confirmed his exit from the MCP and his intention to stand independently.

There are ongoing speculations regarding Bande’s next political move. Rumors suggest that he might join the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) or the United Transformation Movement (UTM), but as of now, no official statement has been made regarding his future affiliations.

Bande’s exit marks a significant shift in the local political landscape, and his next steps will be closely watched as he navigates his political future.