UTM Party ignites hot debate on its stance of DPP’s alleged ‘systematic’ sidelining of Jane Ansah as Constitutionally elected State Vice-President

* The Office of the Vice-President is not ceremonial; it is a constitutional institution designed to provide leadership, coordination, and stability * When it is deliberately undermined or rendered ineffective, it is not only a political issue, it is a direct misuse of public resources—UTM By Duncan Mlanjira A statement issued yesterday the UTM Party alleging that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration is “systematically mistreating” State Vice-President Jane Ansah by underfunding her office, withdrawing her security and publicly…

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UTM Party’s Matthews Mtumbuka wins Rumphi Central Constituency by-election

* Despite the controversy that DPP’s vice-president (North) Jappie Mhango created when he attacked the country’s 2nd Vice-President Enock Chihana day before the elections * Unofficial results gives Mtumbuka 6,397 votes against DPP’s Moir Walita Mkandawire’s 5,378 and AFORD’s Paul Nyirenda’s 2,472 By Duncan Mlanjira Unofficial results sent from the field by Malawi News Agency (MANA) indicate that UTM Party’s Matthews Mtumbuka has won the Rumphi Central Constituency by-election held yesterday with 6,397 votes against favourites; Democratic Progressive Party…

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All set for tomorrow’s by-elections for four constituencies and nine wards

* Involving a total of 83 aspiring candidates, of which 61 are male, 22 female, 5 belonging in the youth category  and 1 in persons living with disability * The four Parliamentary Constituencies involved in the by-elections are Nkhotakota Liwaladzi; Dedza Mtakataka; Blantyre West; and Rumphi Central By Duncan Mlanjira Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is set to conduct tomorrow’s by-elections involving four constituencies for Parliamentary seat and nine wards for councils. It has attracted a total of 83 aspiring candidates — of which…

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A call for Constitutional restraint and moral leadership in Malawi

* At the heart of any constitutional democracy lies a simple but non-negotiable principle: individuals are arrested for alleged offences, not for political affiliation * To suggest otherwise, without the backing of judicial findings, unintentionally legitimises the dangerous idea that the rule of law is subordinate to political identity By Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango Former President Lazarus Chakwera’s recently publicised direct call to current President of Malawi, Prof. Peter Mutharika regarding the arrest of individuals perceived to be affiliated…

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Police IG office’s silence on reasons for invasion of Chakwera’s residence raises more questions if indeed the issue is about missing State dogs

Former President Lazarus Chakwera * There’s a lot of economic vandalism the MCP administration committed, which could result in big court cases, but dogs? No — don’t distract the nation * Apolisi 20 galu m’modzi? Don’t misuse national resources like that. Go after them for real cases, not jokes By Duncan Mlanjira It has been reported that around 13hrs this afternoon, about 80 Malawi Police officers invaded former President Lazarus Chakwera’s Area 6 residence in Lilongwe in search of…

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Chakwera’s reported ‘rejection’ from other sections as mediator in Tanzania; A scholar’s perceptive

* One of the strongest factors that has influenced Tanzania’s CSO’s reservations is the governance record of Chakwera’s own administration * Mediation requires not only neutrality but also evidence of effective governance, conflict resolution skills, and firmness in leadership — areas where Chakwera’s tenure generated mixed assessments Opinion piece by DCG Chief Economist, Chifipa Mhango When news emerged this week of a mixed reception after former President Lazarus Chakwera had been proposed as a mediator in Tanzania’s evolving political…

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‘Chakwera’s press conference was a political misstep that added little value to the national discourse and raised more questions than answers’—Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango

Chakwera address the media at MCP headquarters in Lilongwe * The briefing felt less like an act of leadership and more like a poorly timed attempt to control a narrative that no longer belongs to him * Coming at a time when Malawians are grappling with economic pressures, governance anxieties, and growing expectations from the MCP’s post-election aftermath * Rather than reassuring the nation, the press conference appeared defensive, reactive, and misaligned with Malawi’s current political mood By Duncan…

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Parliament constitutes new Parliamentary Service Commission

* Comprises Speaker Sameer Suleman as chairperson; Ismail Rizzq Mkumba, Chifundo Makande, Daniel Chitonya, Fred Penjani Kamlepo Kalua and Beatrice Roseby Mwale * The commissioning was presided over by First Deputy Speaker, Victor Musowa, who described as youthful, urging them to uplift the values of the august House By Duncan Mlanjira Parliament has confirmed the appointment of members of the new Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) for 2025-2030, in accordance with Section 194 d (1) of the Constitution whose chairperson…

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When accountability becomes convenient; If transparency matters now, why did it not matter then?

* Just four months ago, Simplex Chithyola Banda occupied the very office responsible for the economic decisions now suffocating Malawians * When the public raised concerns about reckless borrowing, rising inflation, and opaque negotiations, he dismissed criticism * When civil society asked for transparency in government spending, he defended the status quo. When others cautioned against the consequences of policy missteps, he remained unmoved Op-Ed by James Kadyampakeni Malawians have seen this script too many times — a leader…

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Outmaneuvered and out-smarted: How MCP lost the election

* Leaders who underestimate their people, assume control is permanent, and mistake entitlement for loyalty will ultimately fail * Chakwera and his inner circle need to reflect on this hard lesson if MCP wants to stay relevant * Malawi’s voters sent a clear message: political entitlement has limits, and those who take the electorate for granted risk facing severe consequences Op-Ed by James Kadyampakeni After Malawi’s recent election, one truth stands out clearly; the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) was…

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