By Staff Reporter
The 2025 Malawi presidential elections have left many Malawians reflecting on what went wrong for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and its leader, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera. While there were several factors that contributed to MCP’s defeat, political analysts and party insiders strongly believe that the turning point came when Chakwera chose Dr. Mumba as his running mate.
A Controversial Choice
Mumba was never a unifying figure within MCP. To many diehard members of the party, his selection was controversial and disappointing. Instead of energizing the base and strengthening MCP’s image, his candidacy created divisions. Party loyalists who had supported MCP since the 2020 elections felt sidelined, ignored, and even betrayed.
Loss of Grassroots Support
The MCP is historically strong because of its loyal grassroots following. However, after Mumba’s nomination, enthusiasm among supporters began to fade. Across the country, many diehards admitted losing interest in campaigning or mobilizing for the party. In elections where every vote counts, the disillusionment of long-time MCP supporters translated into fewer votes at the ballot box.
Strategic Miscalculation
Political observers argue that Chakwera miscalculated by choosing Mumba. While he may have hoped the move would attract a new block of voters, the decision instead alienated MCP’s core base. In Malawi’s political environment, where loyalty and regional balance matter, choosing a divisive running mate can cost a party dearly.
The Impact on the 2025 Elections
By the time Malawians went to the polls on September 16, 2025, MCP was already a fractured party. The internal divisions were evident in low voter turnout in MCP’s strongholds and reduced enthusiasm on the ground. This gave Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika the advantage he needed to stage a dramatic comeback.
Lessons for Malawi’s Politics
Chakwera’s decision to run with Mumba serves as a lesson to all political leaders in Malawi: the choice of a running mate is critical. It must balance party unity, voter expectations, and the broader political landscape. Ignoring the sentiments of party diehards can spell disaster, as MCP’s 2025 election loss has shown.
