The recent statement made by Malawi Army Commander, Paul Valentino Phiri to side with MEC for whatever reason during the forthcoming General elections  is not only worrisome but a new threat that Malawians must be ready to face head on. The nation is aware that Valentino Phiri was appointed to that position in 2023 by Chakwera because he is Chewa by tribe and the intentions are now clear that he has vested interests in protecting this government by all means despite MCP government’s failures and oppressing the people in many aspects. It is also not a coincidence that heads of Malawi Police Service, MEC and the Army are demonstrating lack of professionalism in handling issues of security and elections because they were appointed based on tribal lines. This is a clear sign that Malawi is slowly drifting back to one party dictatorship where the army is usually used to oppress the people and instill fear in the population for political reasons. This is the first time in the history of the nation that such reckless statements are openly made to the public by the army. During the Mutharika era, the army claimed to stand with people when in actual sense they were behind MCP move to topple the previous regime. The Malawi Defense Force MDF is a state military organization responsible for defending Malawi from external threats. Equally the army must be seen to ensure the constitution is upheld. But to announce ahead of time that the army will side with MEC make means they are smelling a dead rat. One has to ask about what has necessitated that statement or declaration. Why should the army make such a statement at a time when many people are very unhappy with the current regime’s performance and the writing is on the wall for all to see. Why should the army make such a statement when people are concerned about the use of Smartmatic machine for voting and vote counting? Why the army should make such a statement when MCP affiliated thugs are going around in broad day light hacking members of the opposition parties and civil servants? The army recently made a joint statement condemning politically sponsored violence and promised to act against culprits if this continues. Since then the army has been dead silent following the attacks of DPP members on 11th May, 2025 at Mponera in Dowa in Central Region. The police acted unprofessionally and failed to assist the victims whose vehicles were also torched in the process. Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of the Diocese of Karonga issued a stain warning to the two entities; Malawi Electoral Commission and the Malawi Defense Force MDF to tread carefully when handling issues of national importance especially the forthcoming elections. The army must know that their primary duty is to protect Malawi, Malawians and the constitution from any threat that may rob them of their rights. Take note that this is the same Commander  who lied and gave conflicting statement with President Chakwera about the plane crash in Chikangawa where the Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima and 8 others lost their lives in very suspicious circumstances. This was the MDF plane and no one from the army has been held accountable for the crash. The key question is why is the army directly involved in these elections? The Malawi army must know that when the people are fed-up with an oppressive regime, there is nothing they can do to silence the voice of people – Vox populi. MCP, Malawi Army and MEC must know that the will of the people prevails over any tyranny and remember that we are not the army and we don’t take orders from the army as in Bishop Martin Mtumbuka’s own words. If Malawians sit back and observe this unfolding before their eyes, be rest assured that dictatorship is already back in full swing. If MCP is given another term, Malawi will be back to the worst oppressive regime ever experienced where many politicians will go into exile, many will be killed, some will be arrested without trial, freedom of speech will not be granted, freedom of association will be limited and controlled and there will be no opposition parties in Malawi, no civil society, journalists will be arrested and social media you see today will be gone. History will repeats itself. The good news is that the only way we can prevent this and preserve democracy is for all eligible voters to wake up first thing in the morning on 16th September, 2025 to vote for freedom, democracy, rule of law, development, peace and prosperity for all. Say no to dictatorship, say no to suffering, say no to MCP in large numbers where the army will have no power and Mtakataka – Zikwanje shall do nothing to stop the revolution.

Former President of the Republic of Malawi Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda who is also the leader of People’s Party – PP is gracing an Orange Achievers Youth Conference which is currently taking place at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe. Dr Chris Daza who has rejoined the party is also in attendance. The main agenda for the meeting is to strengthen and encourage the youth to rally behind the party as we go to the September polls. Dr Joyce Hilda Banda  served as President of Malawi, from 7 April 2012 to 31 May 2014. Banda took office as President following the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. She is the founder and leader of the People’s Party, created in 2011.

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.