Emerson Sam Navaya

By Emerson Sam Navaya I have watched the political change of our nation shift and tremble under the weight of promises made and broken. The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led by President Lazarus Chakwera, has been at the helm since June 2020, following a historic court-ordered rerun election that ousted the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Yet, as the 2025 general elections loom on the horizon, a troubling pattern has emerged—one that threatens the MCP’s hold on power and raises questions about the state of our democracy. The brutal attack on Sylvester Namiwa, the outspoken executive director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), in broad daylight, allegedly by MCP-affiliated thugs in the presence of police and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officers, is a clear reminder of the past. It is a chilling echo of the MCP’s 30-year rule under Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, a period marked by repression and fear. If President Chakwera remains silent in the face ...

By Emerson Sam Navaya W hile watching a video clip of Nelson Nkhata’s Yaza Talk Show featuring Dr. Joyce Banda, Malawi’s first female president, I was struck by her poise, conviction, and deep understanding of governance. Her words carried the weight of someone who has navigated the turbulent waters of Malawian politics, serving as a cabinet minister under former Presidents Bakili Muluzi and the late Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika before ascending to the presidency from 2012 to 2014. The clip left me reflecting on what makes Joyce Banda unique and whether she could indeed outperform her previous tenure if given another chance in the upcoming September 16, 2025 elections. Nelson Nkhata’s interview, even in its brief form, sparked a renewed curiosity about her leadership, her past, and the lessons she might bring to the table today. Photo: A leader should provide solutions- Dr. Joyce Banda. What sets Dr. Joyce Banda apart is her extensive political experience, coupled with a grassroots sensibili...