The governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says President Lazarus Chakwera will continue to assign important responsibilities to Vice President Michael Usi until the September general elections, despite recent political tensions between the two leaders.
MCP Publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwila told privately owned Capital Radio that President Chakwera and Dr Usi have a “sweet” working relationship and remain committed to leading the country together. According to her, there are no grievances between the President and his Vice, and the arrangement of delegating duties will continue until election day.
This statement, however, has raised eyebrows because it contrasts sharply with Kabwila’s own comments made just a day earlier in Lilongwe. During a press briefing, she had accused Dr Usi of being corrupt and ungrateful, sparking speculation that the ruling party may be trying to smooth over differences to present a united front ahead of the elections.
The tension between the two leaders has been brewing for weeks, largely due to strained relations between the MCP and Dr Usi’s Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu (OZAM) party. The disagreements intensified after Dr Usi openly criticised alleged corruption in government, accusing state institutions of tolerating theft and impunity.
Addressing supporters in Mangochi, the Vice President clarified that he did not harbour any personal hatred towards President Chakwera or members of his cabinet. Instead, he said he felt duty-bound to speak out against corruption wherever it occurred. His stance won him praise from some sections of the public, but also triggered backlash within the ruling party.
In her earlier remarks, Kabwila had accused Dr Usi of “biting the hand that feeds him” and even hinted at the possibility of launching an investigation into how his OZAM party acquired a fleet of vehicles. These comments added fuel to the already tense political atmosphere, raising questions about whether the working relationship between the President and his deputy had broken down completely.
However, Kabwila’s latest position suggests that the MCP leadership is seeking to ease tensions and project unity ahead of the crucial polls. Political observers say this could be a strategic move, as a public fallout between Chakwera and Usi might weaken the party’s electoral chances, particularly in regions where the Vice President enjoys strong grassroots support.
The September general election is expected to be highly competitive, with opposition parties intensifying their campaigns and highlighting issues such as economic hardship, unemployment, and allegations of corruption. For the ruling party, managing internal divisions is seen as essential to maintaining voter confidence.
In Malawi’s political system, the Vice President is elected on the same ticket as the President but may belong to a different party, as is the case with Dr Usi. This often creates challenges in maintaining political alignment, especially when policy differences or personal rivalries emerge.
Despite the underlying tensions, MCP insists that President Chakwera and Dr Usi will continue to work together in discharging national duties until election day. Whether this cooperation will survive the heated campaign season remains to be seen, as both leaders seek to maintain their political influence in a climate of heightened scrutiny and public expectation.
