By: Our Research Team

Social media debates about potential running mates for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Lazarus Chakwera have subsided following recent revelations, Malawi Moto Publication has established. 

Divisions within the ruling party have emerged, with several names, including Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba, Catherine Gotani, and Michael Bizwick Usi, reported being considered for the role.

Our research team has established that none of the potential candidates, including Catherine Gotani, MCP Deputy President and Speaker of the National Assembly, are commenting on the matter. Catherine Gotani has explicitly declined to comment, stating that the decision rests with the party president.

“I think that matter rests in the hands of the president, and we cannot discuss it. Let’s leave it like that,” said Hara in Mpherembe over the weekend.

Another seemingly ideal contender for the role, Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba is also remaining silent on the speculation surrounding his potential candidacy.

On the other hand, the State Vice President Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi has been openly campaigning in support of Chakwera, assuring the public that the government will not change come September 16th.

Usi repeatedly emphasizes, “Boma ndi lomweri sitikusintha, anta!”.

However, according to the MCP constitutions of 1962, 1965, and 1975, provide insight into the party’s governance structure and leadership guidelines giving the president the ability to choose a running mate guided by the party’s constitution.

If the constitution still specifies that the 1st Deputy President assumes the role of running mate, it would be inaccurate to suggest that Chakwera can choose anyone apart from the 1st Deputy in the absence of any electoral alliance.

Meanwhile, aware of the party constitution’s stipulations, a growing coalition of cabinet ministers and senior party officials has begun rallying behind the 1st Deputy President, Catherine Gotani Hara, as she organizes political rallies.