Malawi Congress Party Reaffirms Two-Term Limit, Rejects 'Life President' Proposal

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has firmly rejected a proposal by one of its legislators to amend the country's laws to allow President Lazarus Chakwera to serve as 'Life President.' The suggestion, made by Esther Cecilia Kathumba, has been met with swift disapproval from the party's top officials, who have reiterated their commitment to the country's two-term presidential limit.

Why this matters: The reaffirmation of the two-term limit by the Malawi Congress Party is significant because it upholds democratic principles and prevents the concentration of power in one individual. This decision has implications for the country's political stability and the protection of citizens' rights.

MCP Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka emphasized, 'The President respects the law and will not go beyond 2030.' This statement emphasizes the party's stance on adhering to the constitutional limit of two five-year terms for the presidency.

Kathumba's proposal was made during the launch of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) financed Transport and Land Compact in Lilongwe. She praised Chakwera's 'transformational leadership' and suggested an amendment to the Constitution to allow for a limitless presidency. However, this idea was quickly dismissed by other party officials.

Mkaka addressed the issue, stating, 'I know it is all because of enthusiasm. Honourable Kathumba was really only trying to commend your [Chakwera] sound leadership, but I heard you speaking to me saying you do follow the law stressing that for you from 2025 you will only go up to 2030.' President Chakwera himself has affirmed that he plans to serve only up to another five-year term, as stipulated by the Republic of Malawi's constitution.

The MCP's quick response is seen as an effort to distance itself from its historical past when it declared founding president Hastings Kamuzu Banda 'President for Life' in 1970. This led to a 23-year autocratic rule until the introduction of multiparty democracy in 1994. The party has since worked to rebrand itself and move away from its authoritarian image.

Critics of Kathumba's proposal have voiced their concerns about the potential threat to democracy. Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka condemned the suggestion, saying it exposes the level of political immaturity among some politicians. The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) also released a statement urging President Chakwera to denounce the sentiments.

The MCP remains in alliance with other parties, including those led by Joyce Banda, to support Chakwera's bid in the 2025 elections. President Chakwera has expressed his intention to contest for the MCP presidency at the party's elective conference in August 2024 and then run in the 2025 general elections.

President Chakwera addressed a rally at Ndauka Primary School Ground in Lilongwe, stating, 'Once elected at the convention, I will contest for President in the forthcoming 2025 polls.' He also urged party officials not to bar anyone willing to contest for any post in the party, including the presidency.

The MCP's firm stance on the two-term limit and the rejection of the 'Life President' proposal highlight its commitment to upholding democratic principles and distancing itself from its autocratic past. With the 2025 elections approaching, the party's adherence to constitutional limits will be closely watched by both supporters and critics.

Key Takeaways

• Malawi Congress Party rejects proposal for President Chakwera to serve as 'Life President'.
• Party reaffirms commitment to two-term presidential limit, upholding democratic principles.
• President Chakwera plans to serve only up to 2030, adhering to constitutional limit.
• Proposal sparks concerns about potential threat to democracy and autocratic rule.
• MCP's stance on two-term limit will be closely watched ahead of 2025 elections.