By Jones Gadama
In a dramatic turn of events on September 4, 2025, President Lazarus Chakwera convened an emergency meeting with his cabinet following the release of the latest pre-election survey results, which once again placed him second behind the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
The survey, conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion and Research (IPOR), has stirred significant concern within the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leadership and its allies, prompting a rare display of frustration and emotion from the President himself.
Survey Results Spark Tension in State House
The IPOR’s second pre-election survey, conducted between August 14 and 27, 2025, is part of a series of polls assessing voter sentiment ahead of the general elections scheduled for September 16, 2025.
President Chakwera Launches Campaign Trail in Lilongwe Kumachenga
This nationally representative survey of 2,400 adult Malawians, which carries a margin of error of ±2% at a 95% confidence level, indicated that Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is leading in the polls, with President Chakwera trailing behind.
Upon receiving these results, President Chakwera summoned his cabinet for an urgent meeting, which was held today at State House.
According to reliable sources within the government, the atmosphere in the room was tense and unusually quiet.
The President, visibly upset, accused some of his ministers of providing misleading or overly optimistic assessments of the political landscape.
In a moment rarely witnessed in public, Chakwera was moved to tears, expressing his deep frustration at the current state of affairs.
Cancellation of Nkhoma University Tenth Congregation Attendance
President Chakwera was scheduled to attend the tenth congregation ceremony at Nkhoma University, set to take place tomorrow at the Nkhoma Mission grounds in Lilongwe District.
The event was to mark the award of diplomas and degrees to graduating students, a significant occasion for the educational institution and the nation.
However, following the emergency cabinet meeting, Chakwera announced his decision to cancel the planned trip.
He cited his frustration with the ongoing unfavorable survey results and expressed a desire to delegate the responsibility to another official instead.
The President reportedly told his ministers that he felt attending the ceremony under the current political climate would be futile and demoralizing.
Ministers’ Plea and Cabinet Dynamics
Despite the President’s decision, sources say that all cabinet ministers present at the meeting knelt before Chakwera, pleading with him not to miss the congregation.
They emphasized the importance of his presence, not only as a morale booster for the graduates and the university community but also as a strategic opportunity for campaign visibility and voter engagement.
President Chakwera, however, remained firm in his stance, highlighting the professionalism and credibility of the survey organizations.
He lamented that unlike in 2020 when the Tonse Alliance was favored by polls, this time the surveys appear to be consistently favoring the DPP, making it difficult to maintain hope for a favorable outcome.
“The professionals conducting these surveys do not share the biases,” Chakwera reportedly told his ministers adding that , “They are accurate and independent, and their results show a clear trend that cannot be ignored and It is heartbreaking, but I must face reality.”
Conflicting Messages: Official Communication from OPC
In a surprising development, just hours after the emergency meeting concluded, the Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), Colleen Zamba, issued an official communication stating that President Chakwera would indeed attend the Nkhoma University graduation ceremony tomorrow.
This contradiction between the President’s reported decision and the OPC’s announcement has sparked speculation regarding the internal dynamics within the ruling party and State House.
Observers are now watching closely to see if the President’s ministers will be successful in persuading him to change his mind and attend the event as planned.
The outcome could signal either a moment of political resilience or a deeper sense of uncertainty within the MCP leadership as the elections draw near.
Context: The Importance of Pre-Election Surveys in Malawi
Public opinion polls have become an integral part of Malawi’s electoral process, providing valuable insights into voter intentions and the political climate.
IPOR’s surveys, in particular, have been recognized for their rigorous methodology and transparency.
The current survey series is designed to assist political parties in understanding the priorities and sentiments of Malawian citizens, allowing them to tailor their campaigns accordingly.
The 2025 election is especially significant, as it follows several years marked by political turbulence and economic challenges.
Voter engagement remains high, with 96% of respondents indicating their intention to vote.
However, the survey also revealed that 11% of voters remain undecided, while 5% refused to disclose their preferences, leaving a substantial portion of the electorate open to influence in the coming days.
Political Implications and Challenges Ahead
President Chakwera’s emotional reaction and the emergency cabinet meeting underscore the high stakes involved in this election cycle.
The survey results, while not predictive, have a powerful psychological impact on candidates and their teams, shaping campaign strategies and public perception.
The DPP, led by Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, appears to be gaining momentum based on the latest data, challenging the MCP’s hopes for re-election.
The President’s public expression of frustration may resonate with some supporters as a sign of his commitment and passion, but it may also expose vulnerabilities that opposition parties could exploit.
As the election date approaches, the political landscape remains fluid.
The interplay between public opinion, campaign activities, and voter turnout will ultimately determine the outcome.
President Chakwera’s next moves, including whether he attends the Nkhoma University congregation, will be closely scrutinized as indicators of his administration’s confidence and unity.
Looking Forward
The final two weeks before the September 16 general elections are critical.
Political leaders must navigate a complex environment of public expectations, opposition pressure, and internal party dynamics.
For President Chakwera and his cabinet, the challenge is to transform the discouraging survey results into renewed energy and strategy that can mobilize supporters and sway undecided voters.
Meanwhile, the Malawian public watches attentively, aware that their choices will shape the country’s future direction.
Whether President Chakwera will attend the Nkhoma University congregation or delegate the task remains to be seen, but the episode has already marked a poignant moment in this election season, revealing the emotional and political complexities behind the scenes.
