Malawi: President Chakwera gains party support for re-election

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has successfully secured his party’s unwavering support to run for a second term in the upcoming elections.

However, Chakwera’s path to retaining power seems to be reliant on his party, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), successfully forming a solid alliance with another political entity.

The MCP, previously in a coalition with the United Transformation Movement (UTM) since 2020, is now facing a significant setback as the UTM decided to withdraw from the partnership following the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of their leader, former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, in June.

Chilima played a pivotal role in helping Chakwera secure an outright majority in the 2020 elections. It’s worth mentioning that Malawi’s electoral system mandates a presidential candidate to garner over 50% of the votes to clinch victory.

Addressing MCP delegates at a convention that endorsed his re-election bid, Chakwera expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength since the last election.

He emphasized the growing support for the MCP and pointed out the influx of new members from other parties, the loyalty of the MCP’s core supporters, and the return of former members who had previously defected.

“This is no ordinary convention because it is the convention of the party that will win in 2025,” Chakwera asserted during his speech at the convention.

Chakwera’s optimism and determination in his bid for a second term reflect his commitment to continuing the work started during his current presidency.

His focus on unity and progress for Malawi resonates with many citizens who are looking for stability and development in the country.

However, the absence of a strong alliance partner, following the UTM’s exit, poses a strategic challenge for Chakwera and the MCP.

Building a new coalition that can complement the party’s strengths and appeal to a broad base of voters will be crucial for their electoral success in the upcoming elections.

As Chakwera gears up for his re-election campaign, he will need to navigate this landscape strategically and forge new alliances that can enhance his chances of securing another term in office.

The MCP, established by the country’s first president Hastings Kamuzu Banda, made a triumphant return to power in 2020 after spending 26 years in opposition.

During the election campaign, the MCP made bold promises to address issues of corruption and revitalize the struggling economy.

However, critics and opposition parties claim that the MCP has fallen short on delivering its promises, as the economy continues to face challenges.

The current president, Lazarus Chakwera, is facing stiff competition from his main challenger, former President Peter Mutharika, who is expected to receive the endorsement of the main opposition Democratic Progress Party at their upcoming convention.

As tensions rise and the political landscape in Malawi remains contentious, the future of the country’s leadership hangs in the balance.

Go to Who Owns Africa for more news from the African continent.

Follow Who Owns Africa on Twitter @Who Owns Africa, on Facebook at Who Owns Africa or on Instagram at whoownsafrica