A power struggle is emerging within Malawi Congress Party (MCP) over its leadership ahead of the 2030 General Election. Former President Lazarus Chakwera faces a challenge from senior figures, including his former chief of staff Prince Kapondamgaga. While Chakwera's allies push for him to contest the MCP presidency again, opponents argue his tenure has ended under the party's Constitution.
The MCP's politburo is divided, with some members citing Article 31 of the party's Constitution, which limits the tenure of the party president to two terms. Chakwera's critics argue that his defeat in the 2025 presidential election has closed the route for him to contest again under the Constitution's exception for a party president serving as State President in their second term.
The party will hold elections for regional, district, constituency, ward, and area committees across the country before May 8, 2027. These grassroots polls have become central to the wider succession contest, with competing factions seeking to influence the delegates who will attend the elective convention. Inside sources say Chakwera's allies are already campaigning for preferred candidates in the party's grassroots structures.
Other presidential hopefuls, including Kapondamgaga, former secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka, and declared contender Alex Major, are also mobilizing support ahead of the internal elections. The party's secretary general, Richard Chimwendo Banda, announced the elections in a memorandum released on September 19, 2026, following a High Court judgment directing MCP to conduct elections for its district and regional committees.
A legal opinion presented to Chakwera more than four months ago concluded that his return to the MCP presidency was blocked unless the party amended its Constitution. An NEC member and legislator said any attempt by Chakwera to bypass Article 31 without a lawful amendment would be vulnerable to a fatal legal challenge.
The constitutional dispute has split the NEC, producing competing views about whether Chakwera remains an electoral asset or has become a liability. Some NEC members believe Chakwera's continued leadership would provide stability, while others argue that retaining him could damage the party's chances in the next election.
Political scientist Clemence Alfazema argued that stability alone may not translate into votes, citing Afrobarometer data and historical election records that suggest MCP faces a structural ceiling of approximately 33 percent. Alfazema also noted that Chakwera's loss in the 2025 election signals that Malawians are willing to reject him when presented with alternatives.
Key points
- MCP faces internal struggle over leadership ahead of 2030 General Election
- Former President Lazarus Chakwera faces challenge from senior figures within the party
- Party's Constitution limits tenure of president to two terms, sparking dispute over Chakwera's eligibility
