Breaking the Fortress: How Ginford Maulidi Rewrote Chikwawa East’s Political History

Chikwawa East Constituency occupies a distinctive place in Malawi’s political history. Since the advent of multiparty democracy in 1994, the area stood firmly as a United Democratic Front (UDF) stronghold, electing UDF Members of Parliament election after election.

For nearly three decades, political change in the constituency appeared inconceivable, with party loyalty deeply entrenched and alternative voices largely dismissed before campaigns even began.

That long-standing pattern has now been decisively broken. For the first time since 1994, Chikwawa East has elected a Member of Parliament from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

This historic outcome represents not merely a change of party colours, but a profound political shift in a constituency once regarded as impenetrable territory for the opposition. At the centre of this transformation stands Hon. Ginford Maulidi.

Maulidi’s victory is no accident of circumstance, nor the product of fleeting political winds. Widely known as calm, humble, and soft-spoken, he embodies the truth of the Chichewa saying: “ndi wodekha koma m’mtima muli kanthu”—gentle in manner, yet strong in purpose. Beneath his quiet disposition lies resilience, courage, and an unshakable sense of conviction.

His journey to Parliament was marked by repeated setbacks. He contested the same seat several times and lost. Each defeat tested his endurance and commitment. Where many would have withdrawn, defected, or sought political refuge elsewhere, Maulidi chose perseverance.

During periods of intense political turbulence in the Lower Shire, when allegiance became fluid and expediency tempted many, Maulidi stood firm. As some who identified with the DPP defected to support Kondwani Nankhumwa, and later enabled the Malawi Congress Party’s inroads into the East Bank, Maulidi remained resolute. At considerable personal and political cost, he held onto the DPP flag almost single-handedly.

Ridiculed, doubted, and politically isolated, he refused to abandon either his party or the constituency he believed in. While others shifted with the prevailing winds, Maulidi remained constant. Mkuyu uyu mondizana ndi chipani, sadatope—this fig tree stayed rooted in the party and did not grow weary.

His eventual triumph is therefore earned, not gifted. It is the culmination of patience, discipline, loyalty, and faith—both in party principles and in the electorate. For the people of Chikwawa East, voting for Maulidi signifies more than a partisan realignment; it reflects political maturity, renewed hope, and a willingness to reward consistency and character over historical habit.

The electorate has demonstrated that loyalty is not blind, and that long-held political traditions can be reconsidered when leadership, humility, and persistence are proven over time.

Maulidi’s story offers a compelling lesson for Malawian politics. It underscores the enduring value of perseverance, affirms that loyalty still matters, and reminds us that political dominance is never permanent. Constituencies evolve, and voters ultimately honour those who remain committed even when the odds are stacked against them.

For the DPP, this victory is historic. For Chikwawa East, it is transformative. And for Hon. Ginford Maulidi, it is living proof that steadfastness, humility, and resilience can indeed rewrite history.

Phungu wa DPP woyamba ku Chikwawa East, pomwe mbuyo monse kumakhala wa UDF basi since 1994—a moment worthy of record, reflection, and learning.