Chilenje Optimistic About Bid for MCP Vice Presidency
The MCP convention will determine the party's leadership ahead of the 2025 general elections in Malawi.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — Former Speaker of Parliament Esther Mcheka Chilenje says she is confident about her chances of winning the vice presidency of the Malawi Congress Party at the party's convention in August, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Chilenje told AfricaBrief on Sunday that many people have encouraged her to run to promote gender equity in the party's leadership.
Well-wishers organized a fundraising dinner at Chichiri Secondary School Hall in Blantyre to support her bid for the position.
"I am ready to face the big names for the position of vice president for the MCP," Chilenje said, undeterred by potential competition.
She added that she is prepared to work together with the party's current president, Lazarus Chakwera.
Regarding her relatively recent return to the MCP after a break from politics, Chilenje said, "I joined MCP in 2004. I had a brief break from politics and now I am back full swing, not as a new member."
Geoffrey Onsewa, leader of the fundraising committee, said the event aimed to support women's participation in high positions.
"Women too deserve to be helped so they can actively participate and contribute towards the development of the country," Onsewa said.
The MCP convention will determine the party's leadership ahead of the 2025 general elections in Malawi.