Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera Secures Party Support for Second Term Amid Alliance Challenges

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has officially secured his party’s endorsement to seek re-election for a second term in next year’s presidential race. However, his path to retaining power may hinge on the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) finding a strong new alliance partner.
Chakwera’s MCP, which had been in a strategic alliance with the United Transformation Movement (UTM) since 2020, faces a challenge following the recent death of UTM leader and former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima in a plane crash in June. Chilima and his party played a crucial role in helping Chakwera achieve an absolute majority in the 2020 elections. The political system in Malawi requires a presidential candidate to secure over 50% of the vote to win.
Addressing delegates at the MCP convention where his candidacy was endorsed, Chakwera expressed confidence in his party’s growing support since the last election. “This is no ordinary convention,” Chakwera declared. “It is the convention of the party that will win in 2025.” He emphasized that the MCP is gaining strength as more people from other parties join, and as both returning members and founding families reaffirm their commitment.
The MCP, which was revived in 2020 after a 26-year period in opposition, had pledged to tackle corruption and boost the economy. However, opposition parties argue that the MCP has struggled to meet these promises, with the economy remaining fragile.
Chakwera’s main competitor is expected to be former President Peter Mutharika, who is anticipated to receive the endorsement of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at its convention later this month.
As Chakwera prepares for the electoral contest, securing a new and powerful alliance will be crucial for consolidating his position and addressing the challenges ahead.