BLANTYRE, Aug 9 — President Lazarus Chakwera has received backing from his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to pursue a second term in the 2025 election. Despite this endorsement, Chakwera faces a significant challenge as he works to secure a new alliance partner, following the withdrawal of support from the United Transformation Movement (UTM).
The UTM, which was instrumental in Chakwera’s 2020 victory, pulled out after the death of its leader, Saulos Klaus Chilima, in a plane crash this June. The MCP, which had relied on the UTM to form a winning coalition, must now navigate a shifting political landscape to maintain its momentum.
At an MCP convention held late Thursday, Chakwera expressed confidence in his party’s growing strength. “This is no ordinary convention,” he told delegates. “It is the convention of the party that will win in 2025.” He highlighted the influx of new supporters and the return of former members as signs of the MCP’s increasing influence.
The MCP, returning to power in 2020 after 26 years in opposition, had promised to combat corruption and enhance economic growth. However, opposition parties argue that these promises remain unfulfilled, with the economy still struggling.
Chakwera’s main contender is anticipated to be former President Peter Mutharika, who is expected to be endorsed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) later this month.
