Dexter Mzembe, Cables Reporter
A faction of discontented Members of Parliament from the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is reportedly preparing to table an impeachment motion against President Lazarus Chakwera.
The MPs accuse Chakwera and his inner circle of attempting to sideline sitting lawmakers by imposing shadow MPs in their constituencies ahead of the 2025 elections. This move, they argue, undermines their political survival and fuels divisions within the party.
Additionally, the disgruntled parliamentarians plan to challenge Chakwera’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), citing a violation of Section 89(3)(a) of the Malawi Constitution. The Constitution mandates the President to outline “future policies of the Government at that time” during the SONA. However, critics argue that Chakwera’s speech lacked any substantive policy direction, rendering it unconstitutional.
“We heard no future policies. Perhaps Chakwera knows his time is up. Legally speaking, a SONA without future policies is unconstitutional,” said an MCP MP from Ntchisi, speaking anonymously to Cables at Parliament.
Another MP from Dowa added, “Going into an election with Chakwera as our candidate is political suicide. He has misled both the country and the National Assembly.”
The potential impeachment bid highlights deepening tensions within the ruling party amid dissatisfaction over leadership decisions and electoral strategy. While the motion’s success remains uncertain, speculation is rife that the disgruntled MPs may have backing from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which could tilt the scales in Parliament.
As political maneuvering intensifies, all eyes are on whether Chakwera can weather the storm or if his presidency will face an unprecedented challenge from within his own party.
Malawi Cables
