By Durell Namasani
Malawi Congress Party leader admits election loss, launches sweeping internal reforms and grassroots polls across 549 wards
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has directed that all nomination fees for contested party positions be abolished, as the party moves to conduct comprehensive internal elections nationwide in the wake of its September 2025 general election defeat.
Addressing the press and the nation at the MCP Headquarters in Lilongwe, the sixth President of the Republic of Malawi said the party leadership has listened to Malawians and respects their decision following the September 2025 polls, opting for introspection over excuses. Rather than making excuses or shifting blame, he said, the leadership is looking inward and using post-election review findings as the foundation for serious internal reforms.
In compliance with the MCP Constitution and a High Court directive, Chakwera announced that the party will hold internal elections across five levels — area, ward, constituency, district, and regional committees. The exercise falls within the court-stipulated 12-month window running from May 8, 2026, to May 7, 2027, and will cover 549 wards, 229 constituencies, 63 political districts, and nine political regions. To ensure that prevailing economic hardships do not lock out deserving and qualified members, Chakwera directed that all planned nomination fees for contested party positions be scrapped.
Emphasizing that the MCP belongs to all its members and the people of Malawi — not to any individual, region, or tribe — Chakwera condemned personal attacks, name-calling, and incitement. He cited a recent incident at a Msundwe rally where some members launched personal attacks against MCP Secretary General Hon. Richard Chimwendo Banda. The party leader urged members to uphold the party’s founding values of unity, loyalty, obedience, and discipline, and to channel grievances through proper democratic structures such as the disciplinary committee.
Chakwera reminded party members that the road to 2030 begins with the structures built today, pledging to keep the Office of the Party President open for dialogue to foster unity and ensure the MCP remains a strong, credible beacon of hope for Malawians. The announcement marks one of the most significant internal overhauls in the party’s recent history, signaling a shift toward grassroots-driven decision-making as the MCP seeks to rebuild its connection with the electorate.
