By Chisomo Phiri
Former President and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader Lazarus Chakwera has vowed to return as Malawi’s president in 2030, saying he wants to help rescue Malawians from the various challenges they are facing under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration.
Chakwera made the remarks on Sunday during engagements with MCP supporters in Kasungu and Dowa, where he urged Malawians not to surrender to the difficulties facing the country but instead remain resilient, work hard and look towards the future.
Speaking at Mtunthama Trading Centre (TC) in Kasungu, Chakwera said farmers were better off during his administration because they were able to sell their produce at favourable prices, giving them more income.
He cited the tobacco sector, saying many farmers have not yet sold their tobacco while others have lost their produce at markets.
Chakwera also said prayer alone can not transform Malawi, stressing that it must be accompanied by hard work and a rejection of laziness and corruption.
He called on churches to take a leading role in ensuring that public officials perform their duties properly to promote economic development, education and progress in other sectors.
He further urged Malawians to listen to community concerns, saying doing so helps address problems effectively.
The former president also called for unity among Malawians, saying political differences should not be allowed to divide the country.
He encouraged citizens to learn from the challenges they are currently facing and think carefully about the direction of the country.
During the Kasungu engagement, MCP District Chairperson for Kasungu East Chisomo Mbembeza endorsed Chakwera as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2030 election, saying supporters want him to return and change the situation in the country.
Kasungu East Member of Parliament (MP) Alex Nkhoma also backed the call, saying farmers are struggling with poor farm-gate prices and need Chakwera back in government.
In Dowa, Chakwera made a brief stop at Mponela.
Dowa Central legislator Annie Chibwana thanked him for taking time to interact with MCP supporters in the area.
Chakwera lost the September 16, 2025 presidential election after he was defeated by DPP presidential candidate Peter Mutharika, who returned to power for a second, non-consecutive term.
He won the presidency in 2020 after the Constitutional Court ordered a fresh election following the nullification of the 2019 presidential results, but his bid for another term in 2025 was unsuccessful.
