Abida Mia to Vie for MCP Second Vice Presidency
Mia's bid for the second vice presidency comes at a crucial time for the MCP, as the party prepares for its convention and looks ahead to future electoral challenges.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Abida Sidik Mia, Malawi's Minister of Water and Sanitation and Member of Parliament for Chikwawa's Nkombezi constituency, has announced her intention to run for the position of second vice president of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), writes Cornelius Lupenga.
The move comes ahead of the party's convention scheduled for August 8-10, 2024.
In an interview with AfricaBrief on Wednesday, Mia confirmed her decision, stating, "Yes, it is true I am going to contest, and I have accepted what the members have been asking me."
She revealed that party leaders had approached her multiple times, urging her to throw her hat into the ring.
Mia's potential candidacy has stirred enthusiasm, particularly in the Shire Valley districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje, where she is said to wield considerable influence.
Local party officials have welcomed her bid, citing her ability to mobilize voters in these key regions.
Lytone Doga, Constituency Governor for Nsanje South West, expressed support for Mia's ambitions.
"She has the capacity to carry more votes in the duo districts in the Shire Valley," Doga told AfricaBrief, emphasizing the party's need for a candidate who can expand its electoral base.
John Hashishi from Nsanje North echoed this sentiment, stating, "It is only Mia who can attract more votes for the MCP from Nsanje and Chikwawa if the members are going to usher her to the position."
Mia's bid for the second vice presidency comes at a crucial time for the MCP, as the party prepares for its convention and looks ahead to future electoral challenges.
Her candidacy could potentially reshape the party's leadership structure and strategy in the southern region of Malawi.
As the convention approaches, all eyes will be on Mia and her campaign, which promises to be a significant factor in the MCP's internal dynamics and its broader political positioning in Malawi.