Chakwera’s Bid for Re-election Faces Alliance Challenges

Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera gains party backing for a second term, but the withdrawal of United Transformation Movement may affect his reelection chances. The MCP, historically significant and in power since 2020, faces criticism over unmet economic promises. His main rival is former president Peter Mutharika.

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has secured his party's support to run for a second term in next year's election, but his chances of retaining power may depend on his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) finding a strong alliance partner.

The MCP, which had been in an electoral alliance with the United Transformation Movement (UTM) since 2020, now lacks a formidable ally after the UTM decided to pull out following the death of its leader, former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, in a plane crash in June. Chilima's party was instrumental in helping Chakwera secure an absolute majority in the 2020 election.

Chakwera, speaking at an MCP convention that endorsed his bid for a second term, expressed confidence that support for his party has increased since the last election. "This is no ordinary convention because it is the convention of the party that will win in 2025," Chakwera said. "We are growing in strength every day as more people from other parties join us, as the MCP's founding families remain here and as those who left the party are returning."

Founded by the country's first president Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the MCP returned to power in 2020 after 26 years in opposition with promises to combat corruption and boost the economy. However, opposition parties argue that the MCP has not fulfilled these promises, as the economy remains fragile. Chakwera's main rival is former President Peter Mutharika, who is expected to be endorsed by the main opposition Democratic Progress Party's convention later this month.

(With inputs from agencies.)