The board chairperson of the Malawi Council of Churches (MCC), Reverend Dr. Billy Gama, has urged authorities to legally formalize political alliances to build trust among party supporters.
Speaking to The Atlas Malawi, Gama expressed concerns that unstable alliances could lead to voter apathy, with individuals feeling let down by coalition partners.
Gama highlighted the upcoming elections and the prevailing fears of voter apathy due to a lack of trust in leaders and perceived betrayals by alliance members.
He emphasized that current alliances in Malawi are ineffective, often breaking down after achieving short-term goals, which further fuels disillusionment among voters about the political process and the promises made by their leaders.
During the rerun of the 2019 Presidential election, nine parties led by the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) formed the Tonse Alliance, which defeated the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance.
However, four years down the line, some parties have withdrawn from the Tonse Alliance, UTM is now accusing the main partner, MCP of sidelining them.
During the campaign period, UTM Party of Vice-President Saulos Chilima, was on record to have stated that its leader will take charge of the alliance from 2025.
UTM Party of Vice-President Saulos Chilima, was on record to have stated that its leader will take charge of the alliance from 2025, on the fourth anniversary of the deal yesterday said it would make an announcement on the provisions in the deal at an appropriate time.
However, MCP spokesperson Ezekiel Ching’oma told the media that the party’s national executive committee (NEC), which has already endorsed President Lazarus Chakwera as presidential candidate, will meet to review and make fresh arrangements come 2025.
He said: “It should be emphasised that this agreement does not extend beyond that specified period. Consequently, the NEC will convene again to discuss and plan for the future.
“It is essential to reconvene and engage in constructive discussions to formulate a fresh agreement that encompasses all the parties we intend to collaborate with. This will allow us to establish a renewed and comprehensive alliance, ensuring a strong and unified front for the years to come.
