Malawi: Calls for Chimwendo Banda to Quit Expose Growing Divisions Within MCP

What the report says

A public dispute inside Malawi’s opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has sharpened after activists in Msundwe, Lilongwe, called for Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda to resign. The criticism, reported by Nyasa Times and carried by AllAfrica, came during a party meeting on Sunday in one of the MCP’s traditional strongholds and reflected anger over the party’s poor showing in the 16 September general elections.

The activists, speaking through the Msundwe Freedom Fighters and spokesperson George Kaunda, blamed Banda for weaknesses in the party’s election strategy, especially the handling of primary elections for parliamentary and local government candidates. They argued that irregularities and imposed candidates left some constituencies without strong grassroots backing, contributing to voter rejection at the polls. Kaunda warned that without leadership change and reform, the party could face another setback in the next general election cycle.

The report suggests the episode is part of broader unrest within the MCP, with supporters questioning internal processes, leadership structure and candidate selection. Political observers cited in the article said the challenge could increase pressure on the party as it tries to regroup after its defeat. Banda had not responded publicly at the time of publication. More broadly, opposition parties often face internal disputes after election losses, but the article presents this as a particularly visible example of post-election strain within the MCP.