By Burnett Munthali

MCP lawyer Sylvester Ayuba James has spoken out on social media about the party’s performance in the September 16 General Election.

In an audio clip circulating widely, James emphasized the importance of standing for the truth in the nation’s political discourse.

He stated that the country progresses collectively, saying, “This nation is ours; when things move forward, we all move forward, and when things are not moving forward, we all stop moving forward.”

According to incoming results from various media outlets, including statements from MEC Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja, James acknowledged that it is clear the MCP lost the election.

He noted that what remains is the official announcement from the Malawi Electoral Commission, but emphasized that denying the loss would not change the reality.

James highlighted observations from the Central Region, noting that many Chewa voters did not turn out in large numbers, based on personal conversations with constituents and checks of their inked fingers.

He explained that some citizens initially claimed they had voted, but upon showing their ink-stained fingers, admitted they had not participated, indicating apathy among certain voters.

James remarked that for many Chewa people, voting or not voting seemed inconsequential.

On the other hand, he noted that the majority of those who did vote chose DPP presidential candidate Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.

He observed that Mutharika performed extremely well, securing high votes across all three regions—North, Centre, and South—making his lead unsurprising.

James stated that, at this stage, the nation was simply awaiting the official results announcement by MEC, with indications pointing toward a DPP victory.

Reflecting on MCP’s performance, he urged party members to consider why Malawians rejected them in this election.

He noted that the party was decisively voted out, not only in the South and North but also in its traditional Central Region strongholds.

According to James, the failures were largely due to leadership issues, highlighting that President Chakwera and Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda did not heed advice provided from 2020 to 2025.

He cited the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, inaction on incompetent officials, and the overall dissatisfaction of the nation with the party’s leadership style.

James questioned the campaign strategy, noting that top officials, including the president, secretary general, and campaign director, traveled extensively while grassroots party mobilization was neglected.

He criticized the allocation of campaign funds, arguing that insufficient resources were provided to local party leaders to engage voters effectively.

James highlighted broader governance failures, pointing to challenges such as fuel shortages, blackouts, forex scarcity, and the high cost of essential goods, linking these to the leadership’s inaction.

He argued that party leaders ignored warnings about ineffective governance, and that these failures ultimately cost the MCP public support in the elections.

James also mentioned the sidelining of party members who had made significant contributions during previous campaigns, noting that this demoralized the party and contributed to poor performance.

He concluded that when leaders fail to listen and act while citizens suffer, the electorate ultimately delivers a clear verdict, as seen in the September 2025 elections.

James called for President Chakwera and Secretary General Chimwendo Banda to resign honorably, allowing for new leadership to prepare for the 2030 elections.

He argued that those who have failed now cannot be considered viable alternatives in future contests, and that fresh leadership is essential to guide the MCP forward.

Finally, James advised the DPP to reflect on why they were voted out in 2020 and to understand why Malawians chose change in 2025, urging them to learn lessons and govern effectively.

He emphasized that voters from all major tribes—including Chewa, Tumbuka, Ngoni, Nkhonde, Yao, and Lhomwe—supported the DPP, signaling a nationwide desire for change.

James noted that in some areas, such as Mangochi, citizens elected UDF local representatives but voted for Mutharika for president, demonstrating a preference for DPP leadership at the national level.

He concluded by urging the DPP to work hard, deliver on promises, complete MCP-initiated projects, and ensure equitable cabinet appointments to reflect national unity.

Forward-Looking Analysis: What the 2025 Election Results Mean for Malawi’s Political Future

The 2025 elections have provided a decisive mandate for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, signaling broad national support across all regions.

For the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), the outcome offers a crucial moment of introspection, highlighting leadership and organizational deficiencies that need urgent attention.

Analysts suggest that unless the MCP undertakes comprehensive reforms—ranging from leadership renewal to more effective grassroots mobilization—the party risks continued marginalization in the next electoral cycle.

The resignation of President Chakwera and Secretary General Chimwendo Banda, as suggested by Sylvester Ayuba James, could pave the way for new leadership capable of revitalizing the party’s structures, policies, and voter outreach strategies.

DPP’s projected mandate places significant responsibility on the party to deliver on electoral promises, maintain national unity, and manage resources equitably across all regions.

Observers note that failure to address expectations on governance, development projects, and inclusivity could erode the current political advantage, opening space for opposition resurgence ahead of the 2030 elections.

The voting pattern also underscores the evolving political sophistication of Malawians, who appear willing to separate local representation from national presidential preferences, signaling a more discerning electorate in future contests.

Ultimately, the interplay between a revitalized MCP and a DPP government with a clear national mandate will define the strategic and political landscape of Malawi over the next five years, shaping alliances, policy priorities, and the country’s trajectory toward 2030.