MCP NEC Leaves Chakwera’s 2030 Ambitions Unresolved

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has failed to reach a decision on whether its president, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, should lead the party into the 2030 presidential elections.

The issue was not discussed during the NEC meeting held on Wednesday, despite growing divisions within the party over Chakwera’s future.

MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo said the meeting focused on addressing gaps in the party’s structures at area, constituency, district and regional levels, particularly in areas where some members have left the party.

During the meeting, NEC members elected Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere as the First Deputy Secretary General, while Own Chomanika was elected Deputy Secretary General.

The question of Chakwera’s future has reportedly caused divisions within the party, with some members pushing for him to remain the party’s torchbearer in 2030, while others argue that his tenure as party president has reached its constitutional limit.

Political analyst George Phiri has advised the MCP leadership to carefully consider the matter and make a decision that will prevent further divisions within the party.

Phiri said allowing Chakwera to continue seeking the presidency could limit opportunities for other capable members who may be interested in leading the party into the 2030 elections.

He further argued that Chakwera’s presidential support within the party remains a concern, pointing to his defeats in the 2014 and 2025 presidential elections and his 2019 victory, which came after the MCP formed an alliance with nine other parties.

Phiri warned that MCP, under Chakwera’s leadership and without an electoral alliance, could face difficulties winning the 2030 presidential election.

The party is expected to proceed with elections at area, constituency, district and regional levels as part of efforts to strengthen its structures.