Chakwera defends himself against accusations of lying, admits to human error

July 24, 2026

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By Burnett Munthali

President Lazarus Chakwera has hit back at those accusing him of lying, stating that such claims are politically motivated and aimed at gaining mileage ahead of the upcoming elections. Speaking in Parliament, Chakwera acknowledged that, like any other leader, he is not immune to making mistakes, but he dismissed the notion that his misstatements were intentional deceptions.

“Madam Speaker, I have never claimed to be an angel, and neither have other leaders. Those who are looking for a leader who is an angel should vote for someone else this year,” Chakwera said, emphasizing that he, like any human being, is capable of errors.

Amid ongoing scrutiny over his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Chakwera confirmed that he had withdrawn the sections of his speech that were being questioned. However, he also challenged the Leader of the Opposition to do the same, arguing that the opposition’s claims of dishonesty against him should also be retracted.

This exchange in Parliament highlights the growing political tension as the country edges closer to elections. While Chakwera’s admission of human error may be seen as an effort to show humility, his insistence that his critics are merely seeking political advantage suggests that the battle for public trust is intensifying.

As Malawians continue to grapple with economic hardships and governance concerns, the debate over truth and accountability in leadership remains at the forefront of political discourse. The coming months will determine whether Chakwera’s remarks will resonate with the electorate or further fuel skepticism about his administration’s transparency and credibility..