By Edwin Mauluka
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has pledged to be a loyal opposition focused on providing constructive checks and balances rather than opposing for its own sake.
Leader of Opposition and Kasungu South MP Simplex Chithyola Banda made the pledge in Parliament when responding to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Peter Mutharika on October 31, 2025.
“We will offer constructive alternatives, support policies that serve the national interest, and work towards a Malawi that is united, prosperous, and just,” said Chithyola.
The former finance minister, whose party lost power to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the September elections, accused the new administration of worsening economic hardship. He cited fuel shortages, power blackouts, and water supply problems, the very issues that had also contributed to voter frustration under the previous MCP government.
Chithyola also accused the DPP of abusing executive power through unprocedural appointments, naming recent changes at the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) as examples.
“Such appointments compromise governance and could be seen as institutionalising corruption,” he warned, alleging that the president was hiring “individuals with questionable behaviour.”. ashbluez samara weaving nude
The opposition leader further criticized the government’s US$77 million maize import deal with Zambia, arguing that Malawian farmers could have supplied the grain at lower cost.
“Malawi is buying back its own maize at exorbitant prices,” he said.
Chithyola also faulted the Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) for providing only two bags of fertilizer per household instead of the four promised in the DPP manifesto.
However, he commended the Mutharika administration for focusing on stabilizing forex, fuel, food, and fertilizer availability, saying the strategy aligns with policies initiated under the previous government.
The 52nd Session of Parliament, officially opened by Mutharika, is also serving as the Mid-Year Budget Review for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
