One of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) sympathizers, Joseph Mwandidya has dumped the party with immediate effect. Mwandidya who comes from Nsanje-Lalanje Constituency in Nsanje District told our news desk this morning that he has made the decision after DPP Vice President for South, Joseph Mwanamvekha refused to work with some parliamentary aspirants in Lower Shire valley. “I am no longer a member of DPP with immediate effect and I am now switching my allegiance to the UTM,” disclosed Mwandidya. In the recent past, Mwandidya has been drumming up support for the party ahead of September general election. DPP officials were not immediately available to comment on the development. Meanwhile news reaching our desk suggests that UTM is approaching some aspirant members of parliament that are losing primary elections from other parties to consider standing on UTM ticket because the party has no strong contenders in almost all the constituencies across the country.  

State Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, leader of the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu party, addressed party committee members around Namisasi area in Mulanje Bale on May 2, 2025. Dr. Usi called for peace and unity, urging Malawians to refrain from political violence during the upcoming September polls. “We are all Malawians under the leadership of President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera,” Dr. Usi emphasized.” “Let’s keep our voter certificates safe and use them to shape our country’s future.” Regarding electoral alliances, Dr. Usi stated that he will publicly disclose his party’s partners in due course, but for now, he is working closely with President Chakwera to ensure Malawi’s continued development.

The Democratic Progressive Party – DPP led by the Former President of the Republic of Malawi and President of the Party, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika held a press briefing on Thursday, 15th May, 2025 at PAGE House in Mangochi. The press briefing was necessitated by violent attacks of DPP members by suspected thugs affiliated with MCP at Mponera in Dowa District on Sunday, 11th May, 2025 after the DPP vice President Hon. Alfred Gangata successfully conducted political rally in Ntchisi on the fateful day. During the press briefing, the party tackled several issues of national interest such as election concerns and suspicious plans by MEC and MCP to use Smartmatic machine against the will of many Malawians, the unfortunate cancellation of the IMF Extended Credit Facility – ECF, Economic woes, politically sponsored violence perpetuated by suspected MCP thugs especially in the central Region among others. DPP Vice President for the Centre, Hon. Alfred Gangata and Director of Youth Hon. Norman Chisale narrated the ordeal that took place at Mponera in Dowa on the fateful day where they were attacked by suspected MCP thugs on their way to Lilongwe after the rally in Ntchisi. In his opening remarks, Mutharika said that he was deeply concerned with the growing violent acts by thugs affiliated with the Malawi Congress Party MCP against DPP and other opposition party members in the region. The DPP President and Former President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has condemned the on going MCP sponsored violence against members of the DPP in the region despite calls for the President Chakwera to address the issue. “I stand before you with a heavy heart and a sense of outrage to condemn the recent violent attack on our vice president for the Centre Hon. Alfred Gangata and other senior party members by thugs affiliated to the Malawi Congress Party – MCP. This attack which was carried on May 11th , 2025 is defies the principles of democracy and peace that we hold dear”. He said. Mutharika further condemned the use of stones and guns and burning of Quantum Bus leaving several DPP members seriously injured as the sad reminder of the MCP disregard of human rights and democratic principles. On the panel was the Secretary General of the party, Hon. Peter Mukhito who spoke of elections anomalies that have been registered with Smartmatic right from the registration period. DPP Vice President for the South, Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, MP tackled the issue of economic woes rocking the country right now due to failure by government to observe fiscal discipline and meet IMF requirement for the ECF. Hon. DPP Vice President for Central Region Hon. Alfred Gangata, Hon. Norman Chisale addressed the issue of violence by the MCP suspected thugs while Hon. Dr Jean Mathanga DPP Director of Elections spoke on the need to have a free, fair and transparent election process which is not the case with MEC and MCP government, and other DPP officials who echoed what the President said, condemning undemocratic tendencies by the MCP government. Mutharika has since appealed to all Malawians of good will to stand up against MCP tyranny and that Malawians deserve a better government that will serve the people and not the interest of the few, the government that will upholds the rule of law and the government that protects the people. He further asked the Peace Commission, Faith Community, civil Society organizations and Activists not to remain quite in the face of evil perpetuated by the MCP and Malawi Electoral Commission MEC under their watch.

The history of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is characterized by violence and undemocratic tendencies. MCP has been involved in various incidents of violence throughout its history including in recent times after the multiparty dispensation. During the Post-Independence era in 1960s, the MCP, led by Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, used violence against Jehovah’s Witnesses who refused to support the party or buy party membership cards. This led to destruction of property, detention, torture, and forced exile for many Witnesses. Many political opponents were killed others ran for their lives into exile. Recently, MCP operatives have been accused of attacking opposition supporters, including those of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). In one incident, suspected MCP operatives attacked DPP supporters while getting ready to conduct what they call DPP Blue Parade at Mbowe in Lilongwe, leaving several injured and vehicles damaged. The culprit who were arrested were released within an hour, sparking national-wide concerns about selective justice. All along President Lazarus Chakwera has been mam on this issue failing to strongly condemn violence and ensure accountability. The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission has expressed concern over rising political violence, emphasizing the need for citizens to promote peace and respect democratic foundations. These incidents have negative impact on democratic principles and social harmony in Malawi. This is a clear indication of authoritarian tendencies by the Malawi Congress Party MCP leadership which believes in suppression of dissent. They expect loyalty and support from citizens, generally with punishment for non-compliance. There is lack of accountability for inadequate prosecution of perpetrators, leading to a culture of impunity which is the case right now in Malawi as the country is counting down to the general elections slated for 16th September, 2025. For instance, on Sunday,  11th September, 2025, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters were attacked by suspected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) members while traveling to a rally in Mponela, Dowa District. Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of the country like Blantyre, Chikwawa and other districts highlighting a worrying trend of political intolerance. There are concerns about the police’s ability to maintain law and order, with some perpetrators being released without charges. The Inspector General of Police has met with youth leaders from 18 political parties to curb violence, but accountability remains a challenge. DPP Vice President Hon. Alfred Gangata has registered his concerns saying party vehicles have been torched, sounds of guns were heard and a good number of party members have been injured with some referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital for medical attention. “We have been attacked by suspected MCP operatives here at Mponera Trading Centre in Dowa on our away to a DPP rally in the district” He said. There are certainly consequences of political violence if left undressed especially by President Chakwera and all other political leaders because it undermines democratic principles and freedom of expression. Political violence creates a climate of fear, suppressing voter turnout and legitimacy of elections which has been the case with the Malawi Congress Party MCP ever since it was founded in the 1960s. In fact, currently there have been several arrests of those that are criticizing the current government. Obviously if Chakwera in noncommittal on this matter, violence will threaten national stability, disrupts investment and harms employment opportunities and economic growth let alone compromise the forthcoming general elections. There is need for consented effort by political leaders led by President Lazarus Chakwera to call for Action by condemning  violence, arresting culprits and promote peaceful dialogue. All law enforcement agencies especially the Malawi Police must act impartially and protect all  citizens’ rights as stipulated in the constitution. MCP has proven that old habits die hard. Everybody believed that the MCP has transfomed from its old ways of doing things but it is true that old habits die hard. Malawi electoral Commission MEC  must ensure all parties have equal space to conduct activities without fear. Otherwise the country will be up in fire and this will not benefit nobody in the end.

On her Facebook wall, Rudo Mello-Kapezi congratulated Dr Ben Phiri who was officially declared Shadow Member of Parliament for the  democratic Progressive Party DPP for Thyolo Central Constituency for the forthcoming General Elections slated for September 16, 2025. He was declared winner after going unopposed in the primary elections that were scheduled for Friday, 2nd May, 2025. Phiri said, “I’m deeply grateful and humbled to have gone unopposed in the primary elections. Let me also congratulate Mr. Clement Chingwalu and John Olima for emerging victorious in the primary elections for Councilors for Sambang’oma and Nchima wards respectively. He stated that going unopposed is a testament of the great service he has rendered to the constituency and the nation over the past 6 years. He further said, “As we embark on a journey towards my second term of office, I want to assure everyone that we will deliver together. In the 2019, elections, I secured over 36,000 votes out of the 38,000 cast votes representing over 97%. This time let’s win it big by bagging 99.9% for Arthur Peter Mutharika, myself and DPP shadow councilors”. He indicated that his successful term of office wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and encouragement of several organizations, friends, family and the people of Thyolo Central constituency. He thanked everyone who played a role in his campaign bid from the bottom of his heart. He extended his special thanks  to his amazing wife, Evelyn whose prayers, emotional support, patience, and dedication have been my motivation to go on. He expressed gratitude  to Martin his young brother, and his sisters Fanny, Victoria and Rosemary Mwayi.  He said that together, they have taken this step forward, and  look forward to continuing this journey with all of them as they return to proven leadership with APM! He Thanked them you and wished them abundant blessings from God.

DPP Presidential candidate who is the Former President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, held a strategic meeting with one of the prominent supporters Mike Ben Chitenje at Page House in Mangochi. The discussion focused on the party’s campaign launch and preparations for the September polls. Mutharika praised Chitenje for his generosity in donating party materials and financial support to DPP members, saying, “I’m happy with what you’re doing Mike,  continue this good work.” Chitenje pledged his unwavering support for the party, vowing to campaign across the country to ensure DPP and APM’s landslide victory in September. This meeting comes after a productive discussion with the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) at Mutharika’s residence, where key issues affecting Malawians were discussed.” Hon. Chitenje was accompanied by Mrs Joyce Mukhula.

DPP’s influential Facebook personality, Julius Mithi, has received 30 rows of DPP chitenje from renowned supporter, Mike Chitenje (a.k.a. Bangwe 1). Chitenje has been instrumental in providing party materials and financial support to DPP’s shadow MPs.   Mithi expressed gratitude to Chitenje and DPP presidential candidate, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, saying, “We’re thankful for this donation and assure you that the Northern Region stands behind APM.”   Chitenje pledged continued support, urging DPP enthusiasts in the North to remain steadfast in their backing for APM’s presidential bid on September 16.

Dear Mr. Felix Njawala, Reference is made to your open letter posted on Facebook to George Kasakula, Director General of MBC where you unfortunately and categorically cited Late Hope Chisanu and me (Steven Maseya) as victims of those who believed that controlling the MBC airwaves can prevent political change. You further indicated that we used our voices to silence dissent, only to be swept away when the inevitable happened. You also asked about our whereabouts as a result of the inevitable that occurred in 2020. You then asked George Kasukula if he wishes to walk the same path as ours? First and foremost, let me say that UTM and especially you, have no moral grounds to blame Late Hope Chisanu and Steven Maseya for saying what we said about how you deceived Malawians, especially the youth to vote for MCP. Kasakula you are complaining about is the product of your marriage of convenience with MCP. When Kasakula was talking harsh about MBC, APM and us then, you clapped hands and showed the whole set of your teeth because you were one family with the same agenda, to deceive Malawians and grab government through violent demonstrations and the courts. Secondly, I have been disappointed with your lack of sensitivity in mentioning Late Hope Chisanu and myself in your letter mentioning us as victims of the same government you helped ushering into power. By the way I hope you are happy that Hope Chisanu passed on to be with the Lord last year. As for me (Steven Maseya) I am in the United States of America because of your Tonse Alliance government atrocities, arbitrary arrests and I believe you are happy now. Thirdly, if we go back to the archive, you will realize that Late Hope Chisanu and Steven Maseya said the truth about the outcome of your decisions and actions to join hands with an undemocratic party in order to grab power which you never tested. Your leader rebelled against a man who helped him to rise to a position of prominence. Therefore, I challenge you to give two examples of what we said, and I will show you that 100 + 1% of what we said has come to pass. Fourthly, let me remind you that it is not only Steven Maseya who is suffering but millions of Malawians across the country are. UTM and MCP set the country on fire, ‘Moto wa sulufule omwe inu munakoleza ku Malawi wakolera’ people remember how you deceived them to vote for MCP. Lero mwawasiya anthu mukhola la zitosi za tambala wakuda. All this because of MCP and UTM poor economic policies. Fifthly, let me show you why mentioning my name as a victim of your Tonse Alliance was wrong and ill timed. This is because; • I am not the one ‘eating chitedze in Malawi, • I am not the only one buying a 50 kg bag of maize at K110,000 • I am not the only one who got fired from work but majority of innocent Malawians from the Northern, Central, Eastern and Southern regions because of their region, ethnicity and political affiliation. • I am not the only one buying a 50 kg bag of fertilizer at over K100,000 • I am not the only facing the harsh reality of poor economic challenges. • I am not the only one who is buying basic commodities at high prices because of UTM and Chilima. • I am not the only one who is wondering why Malawi doesn’t have forex today when we used to have forex reserve for 6 months import cover. • I am not the one who has closed shop in Malawi because of the ailing economy. Sixthly, instead of wasting time asking irrelevant questions about the whereabouts of Late Hope Chisanu and I, at a time when all Malawians are crying due to your poor decisions, you should be able to ask yourself the following pertinent questions; • Where is Dr Saulos Chilima now? It was Late Chisanu and Steven Maseya who warned you not to enter into an alliance with MCP because we saw this coming and you never listened. • Where is the economy now? • Where is forex today? • Where is the level of corruption today? • Where is the price of fuel now? • How much is the K4,500 bag of Fertilizer which the UTM President used to carry on his shoulders. • Where is the bullet train which UTM promised? • Where is the permanent Driving License you promised? • Where is the metal Driving License? • Where is ADMARC now? • Where is PTC? • Where is the “Canaan your promised? Are we not stuck at Bagamoyo? • Where is UTM now? • Where are you Felix Njawala today? • Where is the Alliance if what you did to APM and DPP was right? Seventhly, I would like to bring to your attention that your decision to join hands with MCP has brought untold miseries to many members of staff at MBC and many civil servants whose sins were not political but just because they come from other regions other than the central region. They were fired from the government not because they were talking on MBC but because they belong to a different tribe. Many people from other regions and parties have been arrested, beaten and tortured under your watch and you never said anything because it was all well. If it was not for the death of Saulos Chilima you could have still been showing Kasakula your whole set of teeth by now. If it were not for you and UTM, we could not have MCP forming government and make all people in Malawi go through hell, suffering like never before due to your poor leadership and judgment. You promised change, 1 million jobs, K14,000 passports, K4,500 for a bag of fertilizer and many lies. Today, Malawi is crying because of UTM. You ought to repent and apologize for the bad decision you collectively made as UTM leaders to enter an alliance with MCP. In a nutshell, Mr Njawala, the fact of the matter is that Saulos Chilima and UTM played a pivotal role in helping MCP get into power and appoint George Kasakula into that position at MBC. We are where we are as a people and country because of bad judgment UTM made. If it were not for UTM deceiving young people into voting MCP into power, we would not be here talking about this issue. So what George Kasakula is doing at MBC to you, UTM and Dr Kabambe is kukazinga nyama ya nkhumba ndi mafuta ake omwe. Sorry to use that analogy because I know you don’t eat pork but we use oil from pork to fry it good. You are actually the biggest loser in all this not Late Hope Chisanu and Steven Maseya because UTM popular vote has dropped from 20% to 7%. May I humbly ask you to cry foul without mentioning Late Hope Chisanu and Steven Maseya who are now regarded as major political prophets or analysts for whatever we said has come to pass. Yours truly, Steven Maseya on my behalf and on behalf of Late Hope Chisanu

State Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, leader of the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu Party, addressed party committee members around Namisasi area in Mulanje Bale on May 2, 2025. Dr. Usi called for peace and unity, urging Malawians to refrain from political violence during the upcoming September polls. “We are all Malawians under the leadership of President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera,” Dr. Usi emphasized.” “Let’s keep our voter certificates safe and use them to shape our country’s future.” Regarding electoral alliances, Dr. Usi stated that he will publicly disclose his party’s partners in due course, but for now, he is working closely with President Chakwera to ensure Malawi’s continued development. Usi was appointed Vice President of the Republic of Malawi following the death of United Transformation Movement, Dr Saulos Chilima who died in a tragic plane crash in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba last year. Usi was fired from the UTM following his suspicious engagements with the ruling Malawi Congress Party MCP. All along he was a Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu Party – OZAM. He only found himself in the UTM because he was a running mate to Chilima during the 2019 elections.