By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary elections in Rumphi East Constituency have produced a landslide victory for Alfred Nyasulu, with Ken Msonda suffering a humiliating defeat.
Msonda, a veteran politician who has switched allegiance between various political parties over the years, managed to secure only eight votes, making him a distant third in the race.
Otton Thindwa came in second with 285 votes, while Nyasulu dominated the contest with an overwhelming 509 votes, cementing his position as the MCP’s parliamentary candidate for the 2025 elections.
Msonda’s loss raises serious questions about his political relevance and whether his recent defection to the ruling party was a strategic misstep.
A longtime figure in Malawi’s political circles, Msonda has been associated with multiple parties, including the United Democratic Front (UDF), the People’s Party (PP), and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), before joining MCP.
His defeat suggests that grassroots MCP supporters in Rumphi East did not embrace him as one of their own, despite his efforts to integrate into the party.
Political analysts argue that Msonda’s frequent party-switching may have damaged his credibility, making it difficult for voters to trust his long-term commitment to MCP.
Additionally, his campaign appears to have failed in convincing delegates that he was the best choice to represent them in Parliament.
Nyasulu’s victory, on the other hand, demonstrates strong local support and suggests that MCP’s structures in Rumphi East favored a candidate who has deep connections with the constituency.
The result also signals that voters are increasingly prioritizing loyalty and long-term engagement with their communities over political opportunism.
For Msonda, this loss could mark a significant setback in his political career, forcing him to either reconsider his future in active politics or attempt another comeback in a different constituency or party.
His political trajectory has been defined by shifting allegiances, but this latest defeat may indicate that he is running out of viable options.
While MCP has not officially dismissed Msonda’s role within the party, the results make it clear that he lacks the grassroots support needed to be a serious contender under its banner.
The broader implication of this outcome is that Malawian voters are becoming more discerning, rewarding consistency and punishing political adventurism.
As the 2025 general elections approach, the rejection of Msonda in Rumphi East serves as a lesson to politicians who rely on party-switching as a survival tactic.
Ultimately, the primary elections have reinforced the notion that credibility and voter trust are critical factors in securing political office in Malawi.
