…MCP convention August 2024
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says anyone is free to run for any position, even against President Lazarus Chakwera, Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka has stated.
Mkaka announcing the shift in convention dates in Lilongwe on Monday, said the endorsements that other members of the party have been making in favour of the incumbent party leader do not bar anyone from running.
“People are exercising their rights by endorsing Dr. Chakwera. If anyone thinks he can stand up against the President, he or she is welcome to do so,” said Mkaka.
Mkaka, who was flanked by Treasurer General Mbawala, Organising Secretary Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Director of Youth and Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda, Director of Campaign and Information Minister Moses Nkukuyu and Director of Legal Affairs and Minister of Justice Ttus Mvalo said the majority in the party was satisfied with Chakwera’s leadership.
Mkaka said the party has shifted its convention to August 2024 to align itself with its tradition of electing a presidential candidate a year before the general elections.
The five-year term for the current executive expired in May 2023.
On alliances with other parties, Mkaka said the party will decide when the time comes.
Serious campaigning has already started for various positions across the regions with positions to watch including Vice Presidents, Secretary General, Treasurer General, and Director of Youth which seem to court interest.
So far there has not been a candidate yet to challenge Chakwera who will be seeking his second and final term after winning as a Tonse Alliance candidate in June 2020.