Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has secured his party’s backing to seek reelection in the 2025 election. However, his chances of a second term may hinge on finding a new alliance partner, as his previous ally, the United Transformation Movement (UTM), withdrew from the coalition following the death of its leader, former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima. Chilima’s UTM was instrumental in helping Chakwera win an absolute majority in the 2020 election. Chakwera’s 2020 path to the presidency featured promises to end corruption and grow the economy. However, opposition parties criticize him and his party for failing to fulfill their promises, particularly regarding the economy. Chakwera’s main rival for the presidency is former President Peter Mutharika. He is expected to receive the endorsement of the Democratic Progress Party, the main opposition party, at its convention later this month.
SOURCE: REUTERS