MALAWI: MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda Dismisses Rumours Of Party Crisis

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has confidently asserted that the MCP is not experiencing any form of party crisis, despite perceptions to the contrary.

Speaking to journalists about the findings of the Afrobarometer survey, Chimwendo Banda emphasised that the party remains strong and united.

Chimwendo Banda attributed the perceived crisis to the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) internal divisions.

He said: “DPP is splitting into three factions, with some members forming their own parties.”

This fragmentation, he believes, creates an opportunity for the MCP to capitalize on the DPP’s weaknesses.

The Afrobarometer survey has been a subject of debate, with some critics arguing that it fails to accurately reflect the views of the Malawian people.

Chimwendo Banda pointed out that the survey’s sample size of 1,200 participants is insufficient to represent the opinions of the entire population, which numbers over 7 million registered voters.

On the issue of governance, Chimwendo Banda expressed concerns about the country’s direction. “When things are not going well in the country, people tend to lose faith in the government, and that’s when they start looking for alternatives,” he said.

However, he remains optimistic about the MCP’s prospects, citing its commitment to unity and strategic growth.

In response to criticisms about the Afrobarometer survey, the DPP has taken steps to engage with the pollster, expressing frustration that the report failed to address key issues affecting Malawians.