Tag Archives: Karonga By-elections

Opinion, Politics

Post analysis for Karonga By-Elections: Why MCP won, DPP, others failed?

Burnett Munthali

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Today I want to take you through the much talked about by-election in Karonga. Some people think that this is proof to demonstrate that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is popular and stronger than what people imagine.

It is likely to, even, win the 2025 tripartite election. Some people didn’t even know which positions were competing in this area until after the final results were announced.

What is most important is the reaction of different people soon after the results have been released.

There’s a mixture of reactions and opinion regarding the winning of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in this election.

This article takes a closer look at the individual opinion from different people and of course my own opinion at the end of this important discussion.

MCP Declared Winner

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Chifundo Kachale described Tuesday’s 26 March 2024 local government by-elections in Karonga as one of the most peaceful polls ever held in the district.

Kachale said this at Maghemo Secondary School Hall on Wednesday 27 March 2024 when he officially announced results of the by-elections won by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in all the three wards that were up for grabs, namely Chilanga, Rukuru and Kaporo.

The People’s analysis and opinion

One of the contributors in this debate, Stevie Kauka, but a staunch supporter of MCP government, shared this analysis:

Recently the MEC (Malawi Electoral Commission) conducted by elections in some wards that fell vacant. I will not be labour you with who were previous occupants of those positions nor what happened to them.

It is public knowledge. Back to my sources on the ground. We begin with the campaign.

Reports indicate campaign was fair apart from few pockets of negativity which were manageable.

Of undeniable facts are that all parties

  1. MCP
  2. UTM
  3. AFORD
  4. DPP

Not in any order were there full time. They used everything at their disposal Mzomera Ngwira was there Akweni passed by Nyirongo from DPP now MCP was there.

I’m told some members from this group were there. Equal opportunities were given to all candidates who were more than 17 most of them independence.

A night before elections rumours were rife that MCP was giving money it was later proven it was not true it was a cry of sympathy in case they lose.

The elections day went well but there was heavy voter apathy .

MCP won all to Zero. An analysis is that other parties still continue to dwell on the mistakes of the old MCP mudslinging forgetting that most voters were born when DPP was already in power. Much energy was put on negativity.

In 2019 to 2020 MCP won 6 kwa zero while DPp was in power. The take from the two scenarios is that MCP is on the ground not on social media.

The numbers who voted are low but do not be cheated that those who did not vote hate MCP as purported by one biased analyst.

All the parties were there if nobody liked MCP it could not have won.

Winning is about strategy and people on the ground. The other parties dwelled on politics of mudslinging , smear and loud mouthing others.

MCP used it’s structures. This is what is going to happen in 2025. It is grassroot that will carry the day not social media.

Someone has made assumptions playing with figures that those who did not vote will vote for DPP in presidential elections. what smoke is that.

“Is this an analysis of the just ended By-Elections or an extract sketch of a certain Nigerian movie script? The Afrobarometer doesn’t reflect Wards but the nation as a whole, don’t fool yourself. Or if they want to convert the nation into wards, Afrobarometer will only reflect 75% of all wards in the country,” Sawyer intervened.

Another interested individual said, munthawi ya Chakwera Inu mumachulutsa masamu, mufapo ndi BP, kumangochitapo ngati munthawi ya atsamunda boma ili silifuna masamu.

Kumangoyendapo basi ngati uli kuchilendo ndiye wasochera, mwamwayi udzatulukila mumsewu omwe ukuufuna.

Somebody else says MCP was dishing money so what do you expect with this poverty stricken nation?

The next issue is that people didn’t take this election seriously just because they are thinking that their problems cannot be solved by the councilor, besides these councillors will be in office just for 1 year only before another election is conducted, so it looks like it’s a useless election for the time being and as some commentators have said that MCP should not take this as a yardstick though they have won.

Komanso DPP being in opposition doesn’t have resources to spend any how, they are saving for the 2025 election while MCP has a lot of money in their pockets to dish out. 2025 kuli ma fire. MCP was dishing money so what do you expect with this poverty stricken nation ?

Next issue is that people didn’t take this election serious just because people are thinking that our problems can’t be solved by the councilor and these people will just last for the only 1 year so it looks like it’s a useless election and as some commentators have said that MCP should not take this as a yardstick though they have won.

Komanso DPP being in opposition don’t have resources to spend any how they are serving for the 2025 election while MCP has a lot to dish. 2025 kuli ma fire works just keep watching. My opinion though.

Akumutu Senior said, DPP is not active on the ground. We are more of social media.

If we want to win we need to work more on the ground than on social media and we need our president to move more now than kumayenda only zochita za ku Mangochi.

Malawians love him very much but there is more to be done on the ground.

Harrison Kaliyofasi said, poyamba, Mwina ngati chipani chidzikhalaso ndi kafuku fuku kuti candidate emwe akuimira chipani chathu anthu alinaye interest

Kachiwiri, Ngati chipani tikuyenera zisankho ngati izi kugwirana manja ndikumpatsa sapoti nzathu emwe akuimira pampando.

Kachitatu, Ife amene tikuima ngati Mp or ward counselor tikuyenera kudziwa kuti masiku ano anthu akuzindikira kwambiri ndi campaign yathu isakhazikike kwambiri kupangitsa ma football and netball league kuja timapusitsika ndi gulu la anthu omwe ambiri samavota tiyeni tipite kuzipatala za dera lathu surprise vist komaso kulowa m’midzi kuthandiza achikulile, mukathanduza wachikulile modzi pakhomo mbiri yanu imakhala yanveka mudzi onse wadera limenelo.

Mama Li had this to say, “Za ma khansala izi anthu ambiri samazidziwa tanthauzo lake komanso ntchito ya khansala anthu sakuidziwa ndiye palibe chifukwa chozikweza ngati ndi vote yolongosoka.”

My opinion

Functions of the Ward councillor including ensuring the welfare and interests of their wards. They present the particular needs of their wards to the entire council. The decisions are then implemented by the administrative staff. Ensuring smooth running of services is the responsibility of officials.

They are important because they are elected to represent their local community in the running of their local council. Councillors help to decide how local services are provided, funded and prioritised. Councillors work with the employees of the council to make sure that services are relevant and delivered effectively.

Councillors shape the future of the local area by making plans and taking decisions: Councils need strategies, policies and plans to achieve the vision for the local area, making the best use of resources and meeting the needs of local communities. As a councillor you will help create these.

However, the relevance of ward councillors is not seen nor appreciated by millions of people in Malawi. That is why there’s always high voter apathy during by-elections of such leaders.

They do not make any impact in the lives of the voters, they don’t mean anything.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the offering of cash and handouts during campaign period amounts to some kind of corruption.

My argument is that if a political parties is popular in a given ward why should that party distribute handouts or cash just before elections in that particular ward?

Politicians, often times take advantage of the people’s poverty which is very unfair.

The levels of poverty in Malawi today, have gone extremely high and millions of people cannot afford to put food on their table.

Therefore, tempting vulnerable people with cash and handouts could easily affect their political choice on the voting day.

I therefore propose that we introduce a law in Parliament against such conduct.

This will prevent political parties in power from wasting public resources because, obviously, they spend from the public purse meant for development.

Opinion, Politics

Karonga By-Election MCP’s victory, a wake up call for DPP

Maravi Post Author

By Fryson Chodzi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) appears to be headed down a self-destructive trajectory, as its leadership seems to be taking both its supporters and the public for granted.

The resurgence the party experienced in 2014 after the passing of Bingu wa Mutharika seems to have fostered a sense of complacency among a faction of DPP politicians centered around Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM).

This faction seems to be under the illusion that the party’s return to power in 2025 is a foregone conclusion, neglecting the need for genuine engagement with voters and addressing pertinent issues.

It’s indeed unfortunate that the success of the DPP in 2014 largely stemmed from the groundwork laid by the late Bingu wa Mutharika. Under his leadership, the party thrived as a robust institution with strong organizational structures, fostering trust and a profound sense of belonging among its members.

This cohesive environment instilled a deep commitment among party members, who were willing to make significant sacrifices for the party’s cause.

However, over time, these once-solid structures have deteriorated, contributing to the party’s loss of power.

Poor leadership and the actions of certain individuals within the party have further exacerbated the situation, tarnishing the party’s public image and eroding the trust once held by its supporters.

Without concerted efforts to address these issues and rebuild the party’s organizational foundations, its ability to regain political dominance may remain elusive.

The legacy of the current president, APM, stands in jeopardy due to the undue influence wielded by individuals who are widely disliked by both the party’s established structures and the general public.

In the period spanning from 2014 to 2019, the party appeared to condone and institutionalize nepotism, corruption, and the rewarding of mediocrity.

Instead of honoring those who diligently contributed to the party’s success in the 2014 elections, they were marginalized and sidelined, making way for newcomers whose primary aim seemed to be rapid personal enrichment.

These newcomers, swiftly ascended within the party ranks, leveraging their newfound positions to amass wealth rapidly, despite the questionable nature of their actions.

Regrettably, they have managed to assert control over the party’s financial apparatus, consolidating their influence even as their actions draw widespread criticism.

Despite their evident unpopularity and the harm they inflict on the party’s reputation, APM has opted to maintain close ties with them, a decision that has fueled resentment both within the party and among the public at large.

Such actions risk tarnishing not only APM’s personal legacy but also the reputation and integrity of the party as a whole.

The DPP is currently experiencing a decline, and it’s increasingly evident that with APM at its helm, victory is an uphill battle.

The Ayimaso campaign, designed to bolster support for APM, has woefully misjudged the intricate dynamics within the party, exacerbating existing divisions among its members.

Regrettably, those driving the campaign seem more preoccupied with advancing their own self-interests rather than effectively rallying support for APM.

As a result, the campaign has failed to achieve its intended objectives and has instead contributed to the party’s ongoing fragmentation.

Their heavy-handed tactics, including intimidations, suspensions and dismissals, have alienated numerous supporters, undermining the party’s cohesion and effectiveness.

Moreover, it is perplexing how those associated with the Ayimaso camp continue to harbor ambitions of securing the presidency for APM.

Since the 2020 elections, APM has noticeably withdrawn from active political involvement, leaving the reins in the hands of opportunistic figures.

The party’s reluctance to confront the realities of its loss of power reflects a deeper fear of exposing certain key individuals as the root cause of public discontent.

In regions like Karonga, skepticism runs high regarding APM’s aspirations for the presidency, particularly given his conspicuous absence from the district for nearly a decade.

Such sentiments underscore the disconnect between APM’s ambitions and the expectations of the electorate, highlighting the need for the party to address fundamental issues of leadership and accountability if it hopes to regain public trust and support.

The recent by-elections in Karonga serve as a stark wake-up call for the DPP. It’s concerning that there are individuals within the party who fail to grasp the intricate regional and local political dynamics of the country.

The decision to send Chimwemwe Chipungu, Norman Chisale, and Jean Manthanga as campaign stewards in Karonga was flawed from the outset and ultimately proved disastrous.

Despite repeated setbacks, it appears that the party, and by extension APM, are failing to heed the lessons of their missteps.

Continuing to force a square peg into a round hole will only lead to further setbacks and erode the party’s standing until it’s too late for meaningful course correction.

It’s imperative for the DPP to reassess its strategies and embrace a more nuanced understanding of local politics if it hopes to regain relevance and support in key regions like Karonga.

The upcoming 2025 elections represent a pivotal moment for the DPP, requiring significant effort if the party hopes to stage a credible political comeback.

It’s essential for someone to speak truthfully, even if it entails personal sacrifice.

Ultimately, the only viable path to victory for the DPP in 2025 lies in demonstrating a genuine commitment to reform.

This entails transforming into a party that prioritizes the interests of all Malawians, learns from past mistakes, and works tirelessly to earn back public trust.

It’s imperative that the DPP moves beyond the narrow motivations of a select few seeking retribution and instead embraces a vision of inclusive governance and service to the nation.

By embodying these principles and showcasing tangible reform efforts, the DPP can present itself as a viable alternative to voters in 2025 and beyond.

In conclusion, the DPP finds itself in a crisis precipitated by the undue influence of individuals who prioritize personal interests over the welfare of the party and the broader public.

Unless the party confronts these internal challenges head-on and takes decisive steps to regain the trust of its supporters, it will inevitably face continued struggles and diminishing influence within the political landscape.

Rebuilding trust, fostering unity, and recommitting to serving the interests of all Malawians must be the focal points of the DPP’s efforts moving forward if it hopes to navigate this crisis and emerge as a viable political force once again.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author not necessarily of The Maravi Post or Editor

Politics

MCP shines in Karonga By-Elections

Maravi Post Reporter

KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-Unofficial results in the local by-elections in Karonga indicate that the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has scooped all three seats in the district.

On Tuesday, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) conducted by-elections in Kaporo, Chilanga and Rukuru wards in the northern border district of Karonga.

But according to unconfirmed reports from Chilanga Ward, MCP candidate, Alick Ng’oma has 1,516 votes, seconded by UTM candidate, Ndaziona Mwausegha who has 1031 votes, Teddy Jailos Kishombe of Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) 151 votes, Hastings Daniel Mwambafula of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) 486 votes, Talente Kalambo Mwantalula of Umodzi Party (UP) 33 votes,
Abraham Sahara Mwanyasi of the United Development Party 787 votes, while Hesco Mwashoghe (independent) 379 votes and Benedicto Mwamsamali Zuze (independent) 883 votes.

In Rukuru Ward, unofficial results indicate that Gift Kumbukani Mwale (MCP) has won with 5858 votes, seconded by Dominic Robson Kamwambi (DPP) with 1332 votes, Myness Mwalweni (AFORD) with 599 votes, Paul Mwamande (independent) has 55 votes, Vincent Mwenembako Mwamkonda 419 votes, George Glad Mwausegha (UTM) 815 votes and Monica Kaira (UP) with 49 votes.

The same unconfirmed results from Kaporo Ward indicate that King Ngayambimba Mvula (MCP) has won with 1661votes, Charles Blessings Mwakabagha (NDP) with 806 votes, Saidi Mwangwan (UTM) with 415 votes, Laston Mwenitete (DPP) with 881 votes, Martin Khonya (AFORD) with 586 votes and Thimbiko Eddu Kaonga (independent) with 153 votes.

MEC is expected to announce official results today, Wednesday in the afternoon hours.

MCP Deputy regional chairman for north north who earlier predicted the same, Uchizi Mkandawire described the results as a true reflection of his party’s strength on the ground.

While waiting for official results, Mkandawire said his party preparing for the celebration.

“Many said MCP is dead in Karonga as well as the northern region, but the Karonga elections result has proved them wrong. I can assure you that 2025, MCP will win with a landslide. Nobody wants to go back to the old regime,” he said.

DPP vice President for the north, Jappie Mhango was not picking up our calls.

Malawi, Politics

Karonga By-Elections: Aford wants electoral body to disqualify MCP candidates for open handouts

Maravi Post Reporter

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-The opposition Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) wants Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to disqualify Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidates in the forthcoming By-Elections in Karonga over open handouts.

The call comes barely hours before MEC holds local government elections in some wards in Karonga slated for March 26, 2024.

On Sunday, there has been video circulating for MCP official distribution money to communities in one of areas’ classrooms.

In a press statement issued by Aford Director of Elections, David Katete on Monday, March 24, says if MEC will not act on MCP’s electoral process laws violence is sign of biasness which is against statues of the land.

“The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) is saddened with events surrounding the by- elections voting process in Karonga. People are voting on 26th March, 2024 to elect new office bearers in a position as Councilors. The registration and campaign exercises have been completed.

“We wish the Malawi Electoral Commission a good job as they monitor events until winners are declared in the three wards”, reads Aford statement in part.

The statement adds, “We believe that Elections are a key for nurturing peace and stability in transitional settings and are often, as a result, one of the central rudiments of peace and transitional political solidarities.

“It is our considered view that this call for a performance of order, peace, free and fair election is often explicitly disciplinary”

Aford observes, “The Malawi Congress Party officials have been spotted distributing handouts in all by- elections that have taken place in Nsanje, Zomba, Dedza and currently in Karonga, The evidence about this is overwhelming yet nothing is coming out from Malawi Electoral Commission.

“According to the laws of Malawi on electoral reforms, the Constitution provides for a disqualification of candidates that have openly defied the law and use handouts to woo voters in contradiction of their initial wishes. Against this background, we feel that MEC is bent towards bringing anarchy to our electoml laws in the coming elections”.

The party appeals, “We are calling upon Malawi Electoral Commission to disqualify the MCP candidates in all the three Wards. Failure to do so, MEC will be showing biased and untrusted execution of their duties as they serve this country.

“Alliance for Democracy would further wish to call upon all actors to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process”.

Aford adds, “We encourage all parties to make it clear to their supporters that any attempts to use money as demonstrated by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to disrupt the democratic process is unacceptable.

“If our demands will not be met, we shall have no option but drag MEC to court for promoting the spirit of handouts when the law is clear on what should happen during election campaign”.

MEC is yet to respond on Aford request.

MCP has not yet said anything on alleged handouts to party supporters ahead of Tuesday’s By-Elections.

Politics

Karonga By-elections: Mec bars 33 registration operators

Maravi Post Reporter


By Lusekero Mhango

KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has banned 33 Registration Operators from participating in the upcoming 26th of March Karonga by-elections of Ward Councilors after finding irregularities in the registration of 123 registrants.

This came to light on Wednesday during a Multiparty Liaison Committee (MPLC) interface meeting, that MEC organized to update members on voter registration and inspection of the voter’s role among others.

In an interview MEC Commissioner Fransis Kasaila, revealed that their collected data analysis showed instances where registrants had utilized a national registration application slip instead of a national id during the registration process.

He further stated, in response to this discrepancy MEC has taken immediate action to remove 123 names from the voter’s role for violating electoral laws.

“This violation of electoral laws and negligency on the part of the officers demonstrate a clear breach of electoral laws hence as a commission we have taken tough decisions to ensure we deliver credible polls,” explains Kasaila.

In a related development the Commission has barred two aspirants from the Leadership with Compassion Party (LCP) from contesting in the by-elections on the basis that their party has not been registered with the Registrar of Political Parties.

Meanwhile, Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) District Governor for Karonga, Makenzie Malema, commended the Commission for being transparent in handling the electoral process.

“As political parties we are delighted in how MEC is handling this electoral process and if they were transparent like this in previous elections we would have no complaints as parties,” he articulated.

A total of 68,461 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballot in the forthcoming local government by-elections in Kaporo, Chilanga and Rukuru wards set for March 26, 2024.

Politics

Karonga By-elections: DPP top brass vows to sweep all seats

Maravi Post Reporter

By Lusekero Mhango

KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Regional Governor for the North Christopher Mzomera Ngwira has vowed that the party’s three aspiring candidates in the upcoming Karonga by-elections in three Wards will sweep all seats in the polls.

Mzomera Ngwira made the sentiments on Monday at Mwenitente Primary School when the party held a rally to drum up support for its three aspiring Ward Councilors.

Speaking to the gathered the Regional Governor, asked the communities to vote for the DPP candidates as they are the only ones who understand and can respond to their problems.

He emphasize that Malawians are enduring significant hardship under the Lazarus Chakwera-led Government hence the people should express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box.

“You need to vote wisely and vote for the mighty DPP candidates as they are the only ones who have your interest and care at heart, “he pleaded.

Ngwira further stated that during their time prices of basic commodities were affordable unlike what is currently happening where citizens are struggling to even afford to purchase matches.

He therefore urged all political parties contesting in the polls to desist from political violence and stick to violence-free campaigns.

In his part, Aspiring Candidate for the party at Kaporo Ward Laston Mwenitete, urged the communities to vote for him to continue the development that DPP was advancing.

“I am the rightful person to represent the people’s interest at the Council because I am one of them who is local and I understand and share the problems they are currently going through, “he said.

The by-elections set for March 26th, 2024, will be conducted in three Wards Chilanga and Rukuru in Karonga Northwest Constituency and Kaporo in Karonga North Constituency respectively.