Malawi Tourism Minister Joins Ruling Party Ahead of 2025 Elections
The move comes as political parties in Malawi begin positioning themselves for the 2025 general elections, with the ruling MCP seeking to consolidate its support base.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Malawi's Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, has joined the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), the party announced Wednesday at its headquarters in Lilongwe, writes Martin Kamlaike.
MCP Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka confirmed the move during a press conference, welcoming Kamtukule to the party.
"I would like to assure you madam Vera Kamtukule to feel free and you are most welcome to the party," Mkaka said.
Kamtukule expressed her admiration for President Lazarus Chakwera's vision for the country's development.
"Looking at the heart of president, I would like to be part of the team to help Dr. Chakwera win the 2025 general elections as president of the republic of Malawi for a second time," she said.
The minister emphasized that her decision to join MCP was not to secure her cabinet position. She announced plans to contest as a member of parliament under the MCP banner in the upcoming elections.
"You are aware that this is not just a party, this is more than a party. It is more like an institution as it was created in the 1940s," Kamtukule said, describing her choice as a stepping stone in her political career.
Mkaka also announced that former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) deputy legal affairs officer, Oscar Taulo, and Salima councillor Aisha, who won her seat on a DPP ticket in the 2019 general elections, have also joined MCP.
The Secretary General dismissed other parties as "social media parties," while praising MCP's grassroots approach to recruitment.
He assured party followers that more people are expected to join MCP, citing growing confidence in the current administration.
Present at the event were regional campaign director and deputy speaker of parliament Madalitso Kazombo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, and other MCP officials.
The move comes as political parties in Malawi begin positioning themselves for the 2025 general elections, with the ruling MCP seeking to consolidate its support base.