Malawi Cables
I never imagined Mzimba Central would become such a battleground for political interest, especially attracting some of the most controversial politicians of our time:
- Gotani Hara
- Richard Chimwendo Banda
- MCP Regional Chair
The Candidates
The MCP primary race for Mzimba Central has drawn three contenders:
- Eng. Vitumbiko AZ Mumba – Minister of Trade and Industry
- Adamson Kuseli Mkandawire – Chief Presidential Advisor on Rural Development
- Aram Beza – NEEF Board Member
This lineup presents a strong contest, promising a democratic process where the people of Mzimba Central can truly decide who represents them. Democracy thrives when representation is based on genuine choice—not manipulation or fraud.
The Power Struggle
However, behind the scenes, a different story is unfolding. Delays in conducting primaries appear to be a calculated move orchestrated by Gotani Hara, Chimwendo Banda, and the MCP Regional Chair to undermine Vitumbiko Mumba’s candidacy. Their efforts to sideline him trace back to the MCP convention, where Chimwendo and Gotani allegedly worked together to block Mumba from securing the Deputy Secretary General (DP) position. Fake delegates were reportedly smuggled into the convention hall to ensure his defeat.
Now, a similar strategy is being deployed in Mzimba Central. Reports suggest that over 90% of the delegates support Mumba, making him the clear frontrunner. This threatens the ambitions of Chimwendo Banda, who aims for the MCP presidency in 2029, with Gotani as his running mate.
Delaying Tactics & Delegates Manipulation
The primary delays began when Mumba was the only candidate to submit his nomination forms on time. The process was then postponed under the pretext that primaries couldn’t proceed with just one candidate. Now that all contenders have submitted their papers, a new scheme is in motion: changing delegates and restructuring the constituency committees to weaken Mumba’s support base.
The justification? A claim that the current constituency committees are too “pro-Mumba” and must be replaced. The excuse being floated is that President Chakwera prefers Adamson Kuseli Mkandawire as the MCP candidate. However, Mzimba Central voters have never been easily swayed by party politics alone—they prioritize individual leadership.
A Lesson from History
Mzimba Central has a history of rejecting imposed candidates. A prime example is the 2012 by-election following the death of Professor Donton Mkandawire. At the time, the ruling People’s Party (PP) under Joyce Banda (JB) pushed Aram Beza as their preferred candidate. The people, however, overwhelmingly supported Mavuto Kachali, who had come second in the previous election. Despite JB’s open hostility toward him, Kachali emerged victorious, proving that Mzimba Central voters are not easily dictated to.
Gotani, Chimwendo, and the Regional Chair are making the same mistake today—thinking they can manipulate the people’s will.
The Stakes
Mzimba Central has long been a peaceful political zone because people’s choices have always been respected. Any attempt to force an unpopular candidate on the electorate risks stirring unnecessary tension.
If Vitumbiko Mumba is indeed the people’s choice, no amount of political interference will change that. The people of Mzimba Central will elect their leader based on merit, not external influence.
Final Thoughts
Vitumbiko Mumba is not a threat—he is simply the preferred choice of the people. Gotani Hara, Richard Chimwendo Banda, and the MCP Regional Chair have no authority over Mzimba Central’s decision. The constituency values strong representation over party loyalty, and history has shown that imposed candidates do not win here.
If democracy is to prevail, let the people decide. Any attempt to manipulate this election will backfire spectacularly—Mzimba Central does not bow to political games.
