By Patrick Mwanza
The ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) on Wednesday unveiled its presidential ticket, announcing Vitumbiko Mumba as President Lazarus Chakwera’s running mate, a move that sparked excitement within party ranks and could inject new energy into the campaign ahead of the September 16 general elections.
The announcement comes just days after a nationwide Institute of Public Opinion Research (IPOR) poll showed the MCP trailing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) by a wide margin — 26 percent to 43 percent — with less than 50 days to the polls.
At just 42, Mumba, an engineer by training, is considered a rising star in Malawian politics. He first drew national attention as Minister of Labour, where he championed workers’ rights with a bold, hands-on approach. Acting on tips from whistleblowers, he was known to show up unannounced at workplaces, questioning employers and demanding accountability.
Later, as Minister of Trade and Industry, he made headlines again, this time for cracking down on sugar hoarding amid national shortages. His tough stance earned praise from some quarters, but also created political enemies.
Mumba faced a backlash during a brief trade war with neighboring Tanzania earlier this year after his ministry banned imports of key agricultural products like rice, maize flour, and bananas. Tanzania retaliated by banning all agricultural imports from Malawi and suspending fertilizer exports. Malawi said the move was intended to protect local industries and stabilize forex reserves, which had become critically low.
The standoff was eventually resolved after high-level talks, with both countries lifting the bans. However, experts noted the episode caused serious supply chain disruptions and financial losses on both sides.
Mumba hails from northern Malawi, the country’s least populous region. While the MCP draws most of its support from the Centre and the DPP dominates the South, the North has historically acted as a kingmaker in several elections, compelling parties to court its voters. Though the DPP’s ticket features candidates from the same region, it has formed alliances with northern-based parties, including the Alliance for Democracy (Aford) and the Northern Alliance, a bloc with deep roots in the region.
Given Mumba’s reformist image and northern background, it’s fair to say the MCP is banking on his appeal to boost support in the final stretch of the campaign.
The pick also contrasts sharply with DPP’s running mate, retired Justice Jane Ansah, a controversial figure best known for overseeing the disputed 2019 elections in which she declared Peter Mutharika the winner.
Those results were later annulled by the Constitutional Court following a successful petition by MCP and UTM, leading to a 2020 rerun that brought Chakwera to power in a coalition victory.
While the recent IPOR poll appeared to signal a surge for the DPP, Mumba’s selection could shift momentum back toward the ruling party. Reactions have been mixed but energized:
- “The dream team.”
- “Hard work pays off.”
- “He carries the hopes of many.”
- “He should control his emotions.”
- “He’s made enemies; he should be careful.”
- “It’s a contest, let the games begin.”
Reacting to the nomination, Mumba, who has faced opposition from within the MCP, including the party holding a parliamentary primary in his absence, which he later challenged in court, posted on Facebook:
“I embrace President Chakwera’s decision with humility and grace,” he wrote. To those “I have wronged…I humbly ask for forgiveness. It’s time to build and move on.”
With just over six weeks to go, Malawians will soon decide who leads their nation next. First, they have to read about or listen to what the politicians and their surrogates are saying. Then, make an informed decision and finally, head to the polls to choose a president, members of parliament, and local government councillors.
