By Jones Gadama
Richard Chimwendo Banda, Secretary General of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and right-hand man to President Lazarus Chakwera, has directed the Lilongwe City Council (LCC) to instruct the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to choose one location for their rally in Lilongwe City’s Masintha Constituency.
This move comes after the DPP requested permission to hold a whistle-stop tour at multiple locations, including Chilinde, Chiwoko, Matchansi, Biwi, Mchesi, and Kawale.
The LCC has since issued a letter to the DPP, stating that the party should select one location for the rally, citing that the official campaign period has not yet begun.
“Since the campaign period hasn’t started yet, you are requested to hold a rally in one location. We request your office to formally write to us on the place you intend to hold the rally,” the letter reads.
Chimwendo Banda’s directive has sparked tension between the MCP and DPP, with the latter accusing the former of attempting to destabilize their activities.
DPP Publicity Secretary, Namalomba, said his party is a peaceful institution and will abide by the council’s decision. “We know MCP isn’t sleeping and will use their arsenal to destabilize us, but we aren’t moved,” Namalomba said.
The development highlights the growing tensions between the two parties, with the MCP appearing to exert influence over the LCC.
Chimwendo Banda’s threat that authorities risk punishment if they don’t adhere to his wishes has raised concerns about the potential for political interference in the city’s administration.
The DPP’s decision to hold a whistle-stop tour was likely aimed at mobilizing support and engaging with voters in various parts of the city.
However, the MCP’s intervention has effectively limited the DPP’s ability to do so, sparking a heated exchange between the two parties.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the LCC will navigate the competing demands and interests of the different political parties. One thing is certain, however: the tensions between the MCP and DPP will continue to play out in the public arena, with potential implications for the city’s political landscape.
