Lazarus Chakwera Admits MCP’s Own Failures Helped Cost It Power

Lazarus Chakwera has acknowledged that shortcomings during his administration played a part in the Malawi Congress Party’s defeat in the September 2025 general election, according to the account of his remarks. His admission came as the MCP reviewed why it lost power after five years in government. The party’s nationwide assessment reportedly found that its administration had not done enough to respond to the concerns and expectations of ordinary Malawians. The findings point to a difficult conclusion for a party that took office in 2020 with strong public backing and promises of change: by the time voters went to the polls, dissatisfaction with its performance had become a serious challenge. Economic hardship and the rising cost of living were among the issues identified in the assessment. It also reportedly found that the party failed to listen adequately to people who had supported it. Chakwera’s comments suggest that MCP leaders recognise the loss of confidence was not simply the result of political competition, but was also connected to their own record in office. The review leaves the party with questions to confront about whether its leadership understood the frustrations facing voters as the election approached. It also offers an opportunity to address the weaknesses identified rather than placing responsibility solely on opponents or outside circumstances. With the next general election scheduled for 2030, the account says the MCP must rebuild credibility and reconnect with Malawians. That means demonstrating that it has learned from its defeat, improving leadership and offering practical responses to the issues highlighted in the review. Chakwera’s acknowledgment may open the door to reflection, but the party will still have to show voters that it can turn that reflection into change.