By Cathy Maulidi:
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) elective convention held in Lilongwe ended on a somber note for some aspirants, who departed the venue in stark contrast to their arrival.
Earlier, the candidates had arrived while surrounded by enthusiastic supporters who showered praises on them through song and outright adoration.
However, as results of the elections started trickling in, the mood shifted dramatically.
The once-confident candidates, who had earlier oozed optimism that they would carry the day, were now seen sitting in solitude, as delegates flocked to congratulate the victors, whose fortunes had apparently taken a turn for the better.
At this juncture, Richard Chimwendo Banda emerged as a clear victor, soon after the votes were summed up.
Chimwendo Banda’s campaign team had already informed him of his triumph, revealing that he had secured the secretary general position, surpassing strong contenders Eisenhower Mkaka and Simplex Chithyola Banda, who had initially been considered front-runners in the race.
As news of their victories spread, Chimwendo Banda and Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale were mobbed by well-wishers, who congratulated them on their respective wins.
Similarly, Catherine Gotani Hara, who had emerged victorious in the first deputy president race, was basking in the adoration of her supporters, who celebrated her triumph over rivals Vitumbiko Mumba, Kezzie Msukwa, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma and others.
Jessy Kabwila, who had won the position of treasurer, was also enjoying a similar outpouring of congratulations from delegates.
In stark contrast, the defeated candidates were left to ponder their losses in relative isolation.
Mumba sat quietly with his wife while Zikhale Ng’oma and Chithyola Banda sat alone, their chairs devoid of the congratulatory crowds that had flocked to their victorious opponents.
The candidates, who once walked into the convention room booming with confidence, left the convention room with a concoction of emotions— disappointment and sadness.
In silence, they made their way out of the room.
Their supporters, who had been equally enthusiastic just hours before, struggled to come to terms with the unexpected outcome and could not face their candidates as yet.
As the defeated candidates departed, some were met with harsh comments from delegates.
“Ameneyo ndiye delegate. Alibe chibwana,” some were heard saying.
“Delegate si opusa,” one delegate could be heard saying.
The MCP elective convention was a marathon affair, stretching into the early hours of Thursday and Friday.
The grueling process took its toll on some delegates, who were spotted dozing off during the dawn hours of Thursday.
The polling process was also marred by misplaced votes, a consequence of the cramped conditions and shortage of space, which left the ballot boxes in disarray.
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