Politics Corner

Some supporters of the DPP party managed to turn a hospital into a party venue, while another unknown group caused chaos in Lilongwe. The DPP party's regional governor in Lilongwe, Mussa Saidi, told MIJ online that currently they are at Kamuzu Central Hospital, where some injured people have been admitted. Tomorrow, the DPP party had planned to conduct a march in the city of Lilongwe as one way of informing many people about the party's issues. Eyewitnesses say they used machetes and stones, in the violence. Reports indicate that some vehicles belonging to DPP party members were destroyed.

The MCP party alleges that it is not involved in the recent violent incidents that some supporters of the DPP party perpetrated in Lilongwe city today. MCP spokesperson Ezekiel Ching'oma addressed these allegations and urged the police to thoroughly investigate the matter. They claim they do not want to generalize blame to all parties, which is what these actions imply. However, Ching'oma believes that these incidents occurred within the DPP party itself and calls on both sides of the party to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation. DPP's Shadric Namalomba did not comment on Ching'oma's statements while the police stated that they are investigating the violent incidents. Ezekiel Ching'oma(MCP spokesperson)

Mary Thom Navicha, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament representing Thyolo Thava constituency, has been appointed as the leader of the opposition in Parliament. This decision comes amidst internal disputes within the DPP over the leadership position, specifically between Kondwani Nankhumwa, Member of Parliament for Mulanje Central, and Dr. George Chaponda. The confirmation of Navicha's appointment was made by the opposition DPP through a brief statement on its official Facebook page. The statement congratulated Navicha, who also serves as the Director of Women (National) for the DPP, on her new role as Leader of Opposition in Parliament. Mary Thom (member of parliament Thyolo Thava constituency )

Daud Chikwanje, the head of the Department of Legal Affairs in Machinga Central East, has appealed to the government council for financial assistance for local government officials who are providing essential services. Chikwanje made this plea today at the full council meeting, as some officials are struggling to complete their duties within the agreed timeframe, which is hindering developmental progress. Chikwanje stated that providing financial support to local government officials will help ensure that development projects proceed smoothly while officials can work without worry. Some community leaders have also expressed concerns about the slow progress of development projects in their areas. Some local government officials are eager to boost the effectiveness of community leaders, while others are aiming to campaign in the 2025 elections.

Kondwani Nankhumwa, who served as the deputy leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the south, has been expelled from the party, citing internal disputes and insubordination. According to Nankhumwa's supporters, including Wapona Kita, his removal from the party was unjustifiable. Kita stated that the matter will be addressed by the party's disciplinary committee, chaired by William Msiska, later this month. Nankhumwa was ousted from the DPP due to his association and involvement in the party's National Governing council (NGC) meeting, where the party reportedly lacked confidence in its leadership.

Namibia's President, Hage Geingob, has succumbed to illness at the age of 82. Vice President Nangolo Mbumba officially announced the news on Sunday morning, revealing that Geingob passed away while undergoing medical treatment for cancer at a Windhoek hospital. Elected in 2015, his death comes ahead of the country's upcoming general elections scheduled for November this year.  (Namibia's President, Hage Geingob)

The DPP party's executive committee has announced its major convention scheduled for the month of July this year. Clement Mwale, the party's spokesperson, revealed this today during a party meeting in Dedza, emphasizing their commitment to reaching out to all interested candidates for various positions. Mwale also stated that the DPP party is open to collaboration with other political parties and believes they can secure more than the required 50%+1 votes for a successful election outcome.

Understanding the limits and navigating the political landscape is crucial. Unfortunately, former DPP vice-president Kondwani Nankhumwa seems lacking in discernment. Expelled from the party, his political base has crumbled, exacerbated by MPs abandoning him. Yet, this may not be the end for him; as MP until 2025, his political fate hinges on strategic decisions. The message is clear: recognizing red lights, reading the signs, and making timely adjustments matter. When DPP celebrated his expulsion, it signified the end of his role as Leader of Opposition. Now an Independent legislator, gracefully bowing out is smarter than resisting. President Peter Mutharika's patience was notable, backed by constitutional powers that Nankhumwa underestimated. Despite suing the party 17 times, his breach of ethics became a tipping point. His absence from the DPP convention means he won't challenge Mutharika for the party presidency. His political future will unfold in 2025, either as an indep...

The government, led by the Ministry of Finance, plans to boost agricultural productivity by increasing funding for farm inputs loans managed by the National Economic Empowerment Fund Limited (NEEF).  Minister Simplex Chithyola-Banda emphasized the success of the pilot program and the need for sustainable financing, encouraging Members of Parliament to support increased funding. Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale highlighted efforts to expand markets and provide more selling options for farmers, collaborating with Pyxus, Paramount Holdings, and Nasfam.  Farmers like Simon Zimba, who utilized a 6 million kwacha loan from NEEF, have demonstrated successful cultivation, projecting earnings exceeding 16 million kwacha from maize, groundnuts, and tobacco across 10 hectares.

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has declared that Malawian citizens currently residing in Israel and other countries will not be eligible to participate in the September 2025 . According to MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the constitution of this countryMalawi Government https://www.malawi.gov.mw ›   it does not permit citizens residing outside the country to cast their votes through the internet or postal services, as is practiced in other nations. He further mentioned that individuals intending to travel to Israel are anticipated to arrive here in September 2024 for registration, providing them the chance to participate in the voting process. Additionally, it is mandatory for them to return in the corresponding month the following year to cast their votes. Individuals wishing to participate in the 2025 elections while residing abroad can take advantage of a provision in our Constitution, as stated by Mwafulirwa. According to this provision, a relative is permitted to obta...

Aspiring parliamentary candidate, Moreen Phiri, aiming to run for Member of Parliament in the 2025 elections for Nkhata-Bay Northwest, claims that men have fallen short in fostering development in the area. Phiri, a 36-year-old female, asserts that constituents should opt for a female representative this time to bring about the much-needed change in terms of development. She emphasizes her commitment to addressing the lag in development and criticizes the past track record of male MPs in the constituency for not fulfilling promises. Phiri's candidacy has garnered support from locals who express dissatisfaction with the performance of male representatives and seek a positive shift with a female candidate. Senior Chief Timbiri encourages more women to participate in the elections, highlighting the need for capable and educated female candidates in the constituency. Currently, Moreen is preparing for the 2025 polls as an independent candidate, aiming to break the trend of male-domi...

President Chakwera declined to approve an amendment to the Political Party Act, which aimed to mandate the government to allocate funds to five political parties for election campaign. According to Anthony Kasunda, Chakwera's spokesperson, the president rejected the bill, citing its non-compliance with section 40(2) of Malawi's constitution. Section 40(2) requires the state to provide funds to political parties securing one-tenth of the national vote. The president argued that any deviation from this constitutional provision in the amended act would render it inconsistent.

 President Lazarus Chakwera invites all interested politicians to join the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), emphazing that the party's doors are open to everyone. During a development rally at Chinsapo ground in Lilongwe, where he inspected the construction of Lilongwe Bridge and 99 houses for immigration officers. The president also urged politicians to refrain from name calling and castigation, emphazing the counterproductive nature of such behaviour. Chakwera expressed his commitment to on going project across the country despite some individuals not fully recognizing their significance