Jessie Kabwira, the Publicity Secretary for the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has sharply criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for what she described as a failure to focus on substantive issues during their recent convention in Blantyre. Speaking in response to claims made by DPP spokesperson Shadrick Namalomba, Kabwira asserted that the opposition party’s convention served more as free publicity for the ruling MCP rather than a platform for presenting meaningful ideas to the Malawian people.
Kabwira highlighted that 80 percent of DPP President Prof. Peter Mutharika’s speech was centered on the MCP rather than addressing the pressing issues facing the nation. “Instead of focusing on issue-based points that can convince Malawians, Mutharika’s speech was overwhelmingly focused on us,” Kabwira said.
Responding to Namalomba’s accusations that some members of the ruling MCP secretly sponsored the DPP convention, Kabwira dismissed the claims, stating that any assistance provided was personal and did not reflect the stance of the MCP. “What Namalomba claimed does not represent the party but is merely personal and friendly assistance,” she clarified.
Kabwira went on to describe the DPP convention as a “gathering of family members,” arguing that it merely confirmed names into the National Governing Council rather than introducing fresh leadership capable of challenging the current administration. She also referenced the party’s failure during the academic freedom protests, which she herself championed while working at the University of Malawi, as evidence of the DPP’s inability to effectively govern.
“The DPP has no capacity to run the affairs of this country,” Kabwira stated. “Instead of assembling a team that could compete with the strong leadership under President Chakwera, the DPP has decided to field a first 11 that couldn’t even play in the Premier League.”
Kabwira concluded by comparing the recent elective conferences held by both parties, arguing that the MCP’s convention was policy-based and focused on the future of Malawi, while the DPP’s gathering lacked convincing facts and instead concentrated on political attacks.
