The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) faces internal resistance over its leadership rules. Following reports of Lazarus Chakwera seeking an MCP rule change, a new pressure group codenamed 'Mbembembe' has emerged within the party to block any constitutional amendments that would extend his leadership tenure, according to Nyasa Times. The group's cause has been publicly supported by former Kasungu West legislator Alex Major. In a separate development, Nyasa Times reports that senior MCP officials issued a public apology to their former coalition partners for failing them after the 2020 elections. The party confirmed Chakwera will remain party president until at least 2029 and signaled a willingness to form new alliances for 2030.
Update: The executive branch has formally challenged the legality of 12 ad hoc parliamentary commissions, continuing the clash over government oversight. According to Benin Web TV, Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Adack K. Saidi stated that the National Assembly President cannot unilaterally launch inquiries into entities like the Blantyre Water Board. Following the High Court's decision to temporarily suspend the probes, Nyasa Times reports that Speaker Sameer Suleman and President Peter Mutharika have entered direct talks to resolve the impasse. A retired judge warned that the constitutional dispute could escalate into a severe political conflict between the presidency and parliament.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is urging internal unity and pushing back against opposition critics. During a rally in Thyolo, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Victor Musowa and DPP Southern Region Governor Charles Mchacha warned opponents to stop interfering with government affairs and allow President Mutharika to focus on the economy, according to Nyasa Times. In Mzuzu, DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhitho addressed senior officials, admitting that national power blackouts remain a major challenge requiring unified action. Separately, Vice President Jane Mayemu Ansah publicly credited President Mutharika for her rise to the vice presidency during an event in Mulanje, urging citizens to ignore divisive social media rumors, as reported by Pan African Visions.