The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is considering amending its constitution to allow former President Lazarus Chakwera to lead the party into the 2030 elections, according to Malawi24 and Nation Online. MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila stated that party structures are prepared to change the rules to give Chakwera another chance, despite existing provisions that restrict a defeated presidential candidate from running again, Nation Online reports.
The proposed amendment has triggered internal disputes over the party's direction. According to Nyasa Times, figures such as former running mate Vitumbiko Mumba are demanding a complete leadership overhaul and a new National Executive Committee. Mumba argues that those who presided over the 2025 electoral defeat should step aside to give the party a better chance at returning to power, Nyasa Times notes.
Update: The Industrial Relations Court has lifted a temporary legal block that prevented the government from recalling former Malawi ambassador to Kuwait Younos Abdul Karim, Nyasa Times reports. The publication adds that the ruling accepts the government's argument to proceed with the recall while Karim's broader legal challenge continues.
In other governance news, the Independent Reporting Mechanism published the Action Plan Review for Malawi's 2026-2029 National Action Plan on October 14, according to the Open Government Partnership. The Open Government Partnership notes that the document outlines new commitments to strengthen public participation in climate action and extractive revenue management, alongside continued reforms in political party financing.