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Farmers Cheer Fertilizer Price Cut as Chakwera Slams NOCMA SabotageFarmers across Malawi have welcomed the new fertilize...
09/09/2025

Farmers Cheer Fertilizer Price Cut as Chakwera Slams NOCMA Sabotage

Farmers across Malawi have welcomed the new fertilizer prices announced by President Lazarus Chakwera on Monday night, describing the move as timely and fair.

In a national address, Chakwera revealed that under the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), smallholder farmers will access a 50kg bag of fertilizer at K15,000, while commercial buyers will pay K90,000. Commercial pricing takes effect immediately, while AIP prices will roll out from October 1, 2025.

The President accused unscrupulous businesspeople of colluding with an opposition party to drive prices to the current K160,000 per bag, calling the scheme “daylight robbery” against farmers.

Kasungu farmer Benjamin Phiri described the new prices as a “huge relief,” saying they would strengthen food security while stabilizing the economy.

“Maize and traditional grains are our staple food, and the producer prices should motivate farmers to go commercial,” he said.

Another farmer, Hastings Mbewe of Mchinji, praised Chakwera for acting on soaring fertilizer costs but urged government to consider further reviews if input prices keep rising.

Monitored feedback on radio and social media also showed widespread approval from farming households, many of whom see the announcement as a game-changer ahead of the planting season.

NOCMA Fuel Scandal Uncovered

Turning to the fuel crisis, Chakwera blasted officials at the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), accusing them of deliberately delaying imports to pocket kickbacks and tarnish his administration.

The President said motorists’ suffering in long fuel queues was not due to lack of forex but to sabotage from within. He vowed to purge NOCMA of corrupt officials immediately after the September 16 elections, which he expressed confidence of winning.

“They will not win this fight. I will continue to fight for poor farmers in this country,” Chakwera warned.

Chakwera invades Lower Shire to energise Sena VotersPresident Lazarus Chakwera is this morning taking the campaign trail...
09/09/2025

Chakwera invades Lower Shire to energise Sena Voters

President Lazarus Chakwera is this morning taking the campaign trail to Nsanje and Chikwawa districts to inspire the hearts of voters in Lower Sire with a stirring call to vote in large numbers for him and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) next week.

He will address enthusiastic crowds at;

Mtowe - Nsanje South Constituency

Nsanje Boma - Nsanje West Constituency

Nsanje railway station

Tengani - Nsanje Central constituency

Bangula - Nsanje Lalanje Constituency

Nsangwe - Chikwawa South Constituency

Miseu 4 - Chikwawa Nkombezi Constituency

Nchalo - Chikwawa Central West Constituency

Development projects in Nsanje

During the rallies, Chakwera will highlight various development projects his administration has implemented in Nsanje district as evidence of his commitment to serve Malawians better.

* Reached 5,028 beneficiaries with AIP subsidy redemptions; disbursed 195 million Kwacha worth of NEEF fertilizer loans; disbursed MK3.9 billion worth of food to 36,904 households; and disbursed social cash transfers to another 7,074 households.

* Disbursed climate smart cash to another 20,423 beneficiaries; disbursed cash transfers to families affected by the Cyclone Freddy, reaching another 51,588 beneficiaries; and rehabilitated Masenjere and Muona Irrigation Schemes to grow food on 1,000 hectares of land there.

* Disbursed MK2 billion in NEEF loans to 2,438 people in Nsanje for starting businesses; improved access to finance for 608 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises; under MAREP-9, we have connected 100 households to electricity.

* Built 1 school, added 29 new classrooms and recruited 231 primary school teachers on permanent basis; finished the Tengani Community College which is now operational to give the youth of Nsanje skills that are marketable — and in infrastructure development: we have built 28 houses for security agencies in the district to improve its security as an important border district.

* Completed the 31 km Nsanje-Marka Road, which is now fully operational and being enjoyed by everyone in the district; delivered free water connections to 500 households; revived the railway system in Nsanje, bringing cargo from Mozambique for the first time in 41 years.

Development projects in Chikwawa

Some of the notable projects implemented in Chikwawa include;

* Delivered AIP subsidies to 8,627 beneficiaries; disbursed MK 338.8 million in NEEF loans for fertilizer to those not on AIP; spent MK9 billion on food support, which my office has distributed to 85,441 households.

* Supported another 14,263 households with social cash transfers, plus another 26,710 beneficiaries with climate smart cash, but we have surpassed both programmes with the cash transfers sent to families affected by Cyclone Freddy, whose beneficiaries now stand at 106,744.

* Developing 43,370 hectares under the Shire Valley Transformation Programme using 45km of canals that have achieved 70% progress.

* Disbursed MK2.6 billion in NEEF cash loans to 4,173 beneficiaries to start their own businesses, plus another 1,020 businesses that have supported with access to finance

* Under MAREP-9, connected 222 households to electricity to expand their economic opportunities; and under MEAP, have installed Solar Home Systems in 10,833 households.

* Set up a passport service centre to improve the service that young people need to access foreign markets; and in infrastructure development, and have built 107 security staff houses; through my Cyclone Freddy Goodwill Ambassadors, we have built another 10 houses for Cyclone Freddy victims who lost homes.

* Built 3 schools, added 33 new classrooms and recruited about 285 primary school teachers; and built a new Teachers Training College and constructed 5 health posts at Julayi, Mwalisa, Chizenga, Finiyasi, Kavala and Liston.

Chakwera will emphasize the need for people of Lower Shire to vote for him in large numbers in order to secure an outright victory.

Chikwawa district has a total of 271,031 registered voters while Nsanje has 147,409 voters.

Chakwera , Opposition in hearty smiles, handshakes at BICCPresident Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Monday led leaders of other p...
08/09/2025

Chakwera , Opposition in hearty smiles, handshakes at BICC

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Monday led leaders of other political parties in a rare show of hearty smiles and affable handshakes at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe.

Chawkera and other presidential candidates are attending National Prayers for the Signing of the Peace Declaration for the Malawi 2025 elections.
The prayers have been organised by the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) under the theme 'In choosing a path of dialogue and mediation"

Chakwera is seen exchanging firm handshakes and cordial smiles with DPP running mate Dr. Jane Ansah, UTM Presidential Candidate Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and UDF Presidential candidate Atupele Muluzi, among others.

The warm interaction between the leaders is in sharp contrast to the rising temperatures and animosity between supporters of rival political parties.

Before entering the auditorium at the BICC for the National Prayers, President Chakwera and other presidential candidates had a meet and greet session.

Opening the prayers, Chairperson for the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) Monsignor Patrick Thawale has urged all presidential candidates to ensure they take part in the presidential debates for them to sell their ideologies to Malawians.
Monsignor Thawale repeatedly told the candidates that they should not be deceived by crowds of people that patronise their political rallies, emphasising the need for them to make use of the debates to appeal to the masses through different media outlets.

He also told all the presidential candidates contesting in the general election to commit to the peace declaration as one of the mechanisms of managing political and electoral disputes.

Chakwera conquers Njamba , to announce new fertilizer prices Monday  President Lazrous Chakwera has disclosed that he wi...
07/09/2025

Chakwera conquers Njamba , to announce new fertilizer prices Monday

President Lazrous Chakwera has disclosed that he will announce new fertilizer prices on Monday as farmers prepare for the next farming season.

The President made the announcement
on Sunday at Njamba Freedom Park where he addressed a rally attended by a mammoth crowd.

Chakwera said the new prices will enable farmers purchase fertilizer at affordable prices.

He assured Malawians that enough fertilizer has arrived in the country.

Earlier, the President said his government has uncovered a cartel with links to DPP that was behind high prices of products such as fertilizer and cement in the country.

The Njamba rally comes a few days after the release of a new survey by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) which has revealed a significant increase in popularity for Chakwera across the country while the support for Peter Mutharika has dropped since the campaign started.

IPOR's second phase results show that Chakwera's support has increased by 5% since campaign started, while Mutharika's has dropped by 2%, revealing that Chakwera and MCP gaining decisive momentum in the final weeks of the campaign period.

Chawkera took time urge loyal and undecided voters to vote for him and MCP on September 16, 2025.

The President reminded voters of the various development projects his administration has implemented in Blantyre and across the country.

Blantyre is one of the high stake districts with with 306, 342 registered voters for Blantyre city and 166, 499 voters for Blantyre rural.

Chakwera storms Blantyre with high-energy rally at NjambaPresident Lazrous Chakwera is this Sunday storming Blantyre wit...
07/09/2025

Chakwera storms Blantyre with high-energy rally at Njamba

President Lazrous Chakwera is this Sunday storming Blantyre with a momentous rally at Njamba freedom park as the country enters the last week of campaign characterized by a scramble to win swing votes.

The rally comes a few days after the release of a new survey by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) which has revealed a significant increase in popularity for Chakwera across the country while the support for Peter Mutharika has dropped since the campaign started.

IPOR's second phase results show that Chakwera's support has increased by 5% since campaign started, while Mutharika's has dropped by 2%, revealing that Chakwera and MCP gaining decisive momentum in the final weeks of the campaign period.

Chawkera is expected to use the rally to convert a substantial segment of the electorate, comprising 11% who have not decided and 5% who refused to answer.

The President will also remind voters of the various development projects his administration has implemented in Blantyre such as;

* 1,037 beneficiaries have redeemed their AIP subsidies; MK402.022 million has been disbursed as NEEF fertilizer loans to 1,018 beneficiaries covering 412 hectares

* 95,491 households have received food support worth MK7.5 billion (MK7.550,956,500 through DODMA; social cash transfers supported 11,909 households; and climate smart enhanced public works supported 16,946 beneficiaries.

* COVID-19 urban cash transfers supported 71,517 households; price shocks urban interventions
Supported 48,444 households; a 200Ha Nkawinda Irrigation scheme has been developed in Blantyre.

* MK10.9 billion (MK10,964,556,420) has been disbursed to 12,319 beneficiaries as NEEF cash loans; under the Malawi Rural Electrification Project-9 (MAREP-9), 145 households have been connected to electricity; and under the MEAP), 17,059 households have connected.

* Construction of the Commercial Court in Blantyre . This development will strengthen the handling of commercial disputes, boosting investor confidence and promoting economic growth.

* 195 security staff houses have been completed in Blantyre District; 3 house for an individual with albinism have been constructed; and 6 schools have been built; added 71 new classrooms and recruited 859 primary school teachers on permanent basis leading to an additional 4,890 new enrolments; and carried out school feeding programs at 233 primary schools
Completion of two apartment blocks, each containing six flats, along with 90 additional flats and five bungalows, resulting in a total of 102 units.

* Rehabilitation of the Chileka terminal building. The international departures terminal has been completed and operational — to enhance service delivery by modernising facilities to meet increasing passenger demand

* And improving overall efficiency, and also improve security checkpoints within the terminal and accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility which collectively enhances passenger experience.

* Cleared the arrears that had accrued on the construction of the Soche stadium in Blantyre. This was done to facilitate the commencement of the facility’s completion process so that it provides a venue for teams to compete.

* The following roads have been upgraded in Blantyre: Newlands-Manje (2km), Lali Lubani Road (1.7km), Namiwawa-Sunnyside (2km), and Ndirande-Nkolokoti (5km); additionally, 57km of roads have been patched and 46km of ward roads maintained.

* The Malawi Water Supply and Sanitation Project, spanning 2022 to 2028, is transforming water access and sanitation services for over 330,000 people and improving solid waste management for 480,000 residents in Blantyre City and surrounding areas.

* Key interventions include the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Mudi Dam and Water Treatment Plant, the construction of six new water storage reservoirs, and the installation of 60 smart water kiosks in low-income areas and cholera hotspots.

* 332km of water transmission and distribution pipes are being replaced, upgraded, and extended to enhance reliability and efficiency; and free water connections have been delivered to 5,179 households.

Blantyre is one of the high stake districts with with 306, 342 registered voters for Blantyre city and 166, 499 voters for Blantyre rural.

Chakwera popularity surges as Mutharika support drops - new surveyThe relentless and strategic campaign by President Laz...
05/09/2025

Chakwera popularity surges as Mutharika support drops - new survey

The relentless and strategic campaign by President Lazarous Chakwera is resulting into increase of his support across the country while the support for Peter Mutharika has dropped since the campaign started, a new survey has revealed.

The Institute of Public Opinion and Research's second phase results reveal that Chakwera's support has increased by 5% since campaign started, while Mutharika's has dropped by 2%.

" This is suggesting a potential shift in momentum following the launch of the campaign" says IPOR.

The presence of many presidential candidates in the Southern Region such as Peter Mutharika from DPP, Atupele Muluzi from UDF, Joyce Banda from PP, Kondwani Nankhumwa from PDP and Michael Usi of Odya Zake alibe Mulanda and an intact base for MCP in the central region will likely propel Chakwera to victory.

IPOR results show that voter intentions show 41% of voters plan to support Peter Mutharika of the DPP, followed by Lazarus Chakwera of the MCP, at 31%.

Dalisto Kabambe of UTM ranks third with 6%, while Atupele Muluzi of UDF is in fourth place with 3%, and Joyce Banda of PP has 2%.

Of greater interest is that 11% of voters remain undecided, and 5% have chosen not to disclose their preferences.

The IPOR survey was conducted from 14 to 27 August this year across 27 districts—excluding Likoma—aimed to help political parties shape their campaigns in line with public opinion.

Edson Mtodwa, Senior Research Fellow at IPOR said the new research targeted 2400 adult Malawians.

Most Malawians trust MEC to handle polls professionallyResults of a second phase survey by the Institute of Public Opini...
05/09/2025

Most Malawians trust MEC to handle polls professionally

Results of a second phase survey by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) show that about 80% of Malawians have confidence in the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) handling the September 16 general elections.

Presenting the survey findings on Thursday, Professor Michael Chasukwa said on average, 80% of the Malawians say they have trust in the validity of the presidential election results.

According to IPOR, the central region shows it has more trust at 80% while the southern region is 78% and the northern region is at 75%.

Chasukwa said the survey results indicates that Malawians believe the electoral results will reflect the true outcome of their votes.

The was conducted from 14 to 27 August this year across 27 districts—excluding Likoma—aimed to help political parties shape their campaigns in line with public opinion.

Chakwera most popular candidate - New survey revealsResults of a new survey by the Institute of Public Opinion and Resea...
05/09/2025

Chakwera most popular candidate - New survey reveals

Results of a new survey by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) have revealed that President Lazarus Chakwera is the most recognized presidential candidate in Malawi.

Chakwera is enjoying a comfortable awareness rate of 85% while Peter Mutharika of DPP is second with a recognition rate of 79% with Atupele Muluzi of UDF is third with with 50%.

Joyce Banda is recognized by 40% of respondents, and Michael Usi has a recognition rate of 45%, Dalitso Kabambe is recognized by 30%, and Kondwani Nankhumwa has a recognition rate of 16%.

Professor Michael Chasukwa presented the survey findings on Thursday.

He said the survey, conducted from 14 to 27 August this year across 27 districts—excluding Likoma—aimed to help political parties shape their campaigns in line with public opinion.

In terms of regional recognition, Chasukwa noted that Chakwera is most recognized in the central region, with an awareness rate of 88% while Mutharika follows with a recognition rate of 70%.

In the southern region, Mutharika leads with 88% recognition, while Chakwera is slightly behind at 82%.

In the northern region, Chakwera is recognized by 83% of respondents, compared to Mutharika's 77%.

The survey results is an indication that Chakwera's massive campaign across the country and his development agenda is paying dividends.

Chakwera storms Ntcheu to connect with Ngoni votersLarge crowds are excepted to warmly welcome President Lazarus Chakwer...
03/09/2025

Chakwera storms Ntcheu to connect with Ngoni voters

Large crowds are excepted to warmly welcome President Lazarus Chakwera in Ntcheu district where he will hold whistle stops at seven constituencies to directly connect with the crucial Ngoni voters.

During the tour, Chawkera is expected to persuade people of Ntcheu to vote him back into government so that his administration can continue with the various development projects in the district.

Chakwera will also meet all chiefs in Ntcheu at Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani headquarters and visit Inkosi Kwataine.

The President will conduct whistle-Stops at;

1. Inkosini HQs- Meeting with all Amakhosi

2.⁠ ⁠Lizulu TC- Ntcheu North constituency-Shadow MP: Hon Chodzadza

3.⁠ ⁠kambilonjo Trading Centre-Shadow MP: Hon Kamuyambeni- Ncheu Dzonzi Mvai Constituency

4.⁠ ⁠Champiti Court Shadow MP: Hon Dr Mbawala- Ntcheu Central Constituency

5.⁠ ⁠Visit to Inkosi Kwataine

6.⁠ ⁠Mbvimbo HQs-Shadow MP: Hon Elizabeth Kaludzu-Ntcheu Central East Constituency

7.⁠ ⁠Kasinje TC- Shadow MP: Hon Dr. F Mkungula-Ntcheu Bwanje Constituency

Some of the development projects implemented in Ntcheu Lizulu, Tsangano and Champiti include; Construction of Chilobwe school, houses for Inkosi Gomani and Chankhumbira, constuction of Inkosi Gomani road, classroom blocks at Guli , Chilobwe CDSS, Chiwaya , Matawale, bridges at Nthumbi, Malaswa, Tchesa and Chigumu Nthumbi and staff houses at Nsipe.

Other major projects in Ntcheu district,
Invested MK162 million in farm equipment, processing, and warehousing through AGCOM, benefiting 1,067 farmers; rehabilitated 3,000 hectares at Tsangano Mega Farm, and 1,400 hectares at Bwanje Valley Irrigation Scheme; distributed affordable inputs to 420,235 households since 2020; rehabilitated four irrigation schemes at Thava, Chitseke, Fufule and Lisungwi to boost maize and rice production for 2,000 farming households.
Disbursed NEEF cash loans worth MK252 million for our youth and women entrepreneurs in Ntcheu and MK3 billion to 4,596 businesses; distributed maize worth MK3.67 billion to 34,482 households; secured employment for 700 young people through gold mining exploration taking place in the district; completed construction of three Police units; and are constructing 33 houses for Police and 6 houses for Immigration officers.
Completed two health posts at Mchekecha and Kulanga, while site handovers are underway at Sanjani and Chagomelana; constructed five community secondary schools at Gomani Chikuse, Kalila, Mokhotho, Tambala and Bwanje, 30 secondary school classrooms, 24 primary school classrooms, and recruited new 174 school teachers.
Connected 8,727 households to electricity under MAREP; are constructing a mini grid at Mwansambo, which is at 30%; made 124 free water-connections; construction of Ntcheu Stadium; and the Ntcheu-Kambilongo road has now been surfaced on the Ntcheu-Tsangano-Neno-Mwanza Road; and reached to 14,349 beneficiaries on social cash transfer and 16,396 beneficiaries on climate smart enhanced cash program.

Chakwra is expected to pay tribute to Dr. Saulos Chilima who came from Ntchue and made a significant contribution Tonse Alliance victory in 2020 and to the government’s ability to deliver on all these developments.

Ntchue is a crucial swing district with 172,622 registered voters.

Chakwera invades Lilongwe Rural, Mchinji with decisive push for votesPresident Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is back on ...
02/09/2025

Chakwera invades Lilongwe Rural, Mchinji with decisive push for votes

President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is back on the campaign trail, touring several constituencies in Mchinji district and parts of Lilongwe rural with a decisive push for votes in MCP strongholds.

Chakwera meets and greets voters at:

Lilongwe Kumachenga constituency – Four Ways TC of Hon. Ching’onga
Lilongwe Likuni constituency – Mpingu TC of Hon. Sendeza
Mchinji South constituency – Waliranji TC of Hon. Mkusa Nkhoma
Mchinji South West constituency – Tembwe TC of Hon. Gumba
Mchinji Central East constituency – Kamwendo TC of Hon. J. Mwale
Mchinji East constituency – Matutu TC of Hon. Kapalamula
Mchinji North East constituency – Kapiri TC of Hon. Masamba
Mchinji North constituency – Mkanda TC of Hon. R. Zulu
Mchinji West constituency – Mchinji Boma of Hon. Dr. Kohn Paul
In Lilongwe rural, Chakwera showcases notable projects already implemented at Chitipi, Chiwenga and Mtunthumala. These include:

A health centre at Nakuwawa, piped water at Phereni Primary School, and school blocks at Katete, Chala, Malimbe, Katsisi, Kunthumula, M’mera, Mpoyamba ya Kamnongona, and Chiwenga Secondary School.
Staff houses at Nguluwe and a police unit at Chigwirizano.
Clinics at Sauzaana and Nzindo, a renovated Mpingu Health Centre, and school blocks at Chifemo, Mawero, Chadza II, Chivite, Chagunda, Chivuwo, Sauzana, Chadza and Msunga.
In Mchinji, the President highlights major projects benefiting women, the youth, and businesses. These include:
Investment of MK488 million in farming tools and equipment to help farmers modernize; disbursement of MK1.4 billion in NEEF farm input loans; and delivery of AIP subsidies to 445,406 farming households since 2020.
Disbursement of NEEF cash loans amounting to MK1 billion for start-up businesses; spending MK3.2 billion on relief maize; and ongoing construction of 64 security houses.
Completion of 15 health posts at Mwase, Pitala, Chimwa, Kazira, Kavuta, Santhe, Waliranji, Gumulira, Kamera, Maliteni, Diti, Kamuwe, Kamchere, Mzama, and Mzenge.
Construction of six new secondary school classrooms and six new primary school classrooms; recruitment of 309 new teachers; completion and commissioning of the Mchinji Teachers Training College; and connection of 7,508 houses to electricity.
Completion of the Mkanda–Kapiri Road and Kawere–Mkanda Road; and provision of 236 free water connections to households.
Mchinji district remains President Chakwera’s second home, where he spends part of his childhood when his parents live in the district.

Lilongwe rural carries 826,898 registered voters, while the border district of Mchinji holds 252,359 registered voters, making the two areas decisive battlegrounds for Chakwera’s campaign.

Chakwera earns praise for recruiting record 21,000 teachersEducation experts have showered praise on President Lazarus C...
01/09/2025

Chakwera earns praise for recruiting record 21,000 teachers

Education experts have showered praise on President Lazarus Chakwera for raising education standards and creating jobs through the historic recruitment of 20,517 primary school teachers, who begin reporting for duty this September across all 28 districts.

The Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), working with the Ministries of Education and Local Government, conducted nationwide interviews on July 28, 2025, following a presidential directive to recruit the teachers.

Last week, LGSC released the results, paving the way for the new recruits to be deployed to councils nationwide.

For example, M’mbelwa District Council has received 1,141 teachers, with instructions for them to report to their respective Education Offices by September 3, 2025.

Similarly, Ntchisi District Council has been allocated 408 teachers, who are expected to report for duty on September 1, 2025. Similar deployments are taking place across the country.

This recruitment follows the Chakwera administration’s June 2024 announcement of plans to hire 26,000 new teachers—the largest single education-sector recruitment in Malawi’s history. The directive came after over 26,000 teachers were promoted from Grade TL to TK, creating vacancies at entry level.

Analysts say the massive hiring will cut down unemployment, inject fresh energy into classrooms, reduce the learner-to-teacher ratio, and boost morale within the profession.

It also demonstrates President Chakwera’s pledge to prioritize education by ensuring sustained funding and dedicating at least 15–20 percent of national expenditure to the sector by 2030.

Revealed: Chilima Secretly Backed Chakwera 2025 Bid Before His DeathExplosive revelations suggest that before his untime...
01/09/2025

Revealed: Chilima Secretly Backed Chakwera 2025 Bid Before His Death

Explosive revelations suggest that before his untimely death in June last year, Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) had already resolved not to stand for president in 2025—but instead to back President Lazarus Chakwera’s re-election.

Close aides and family insiders claim Chilima quietly made the decision months before the plane crash that shocked the nation.

“Chilima was a shrewd, calculating leader. He knew UTM could not win alone, and the law barred him from a third term. His plan was clear: keep UTM in government and rally behind Chakwera,” one aide disclosed.

Those close to him say this explains Chilima’s studied silence and loyalty to Chakwera throughout his second term. He avoided direct attacks on MCP or the president because he had struck what sources call an “insider deal” to campaign for Chakwera in 2025.

Part of that deal, insiders allege, was the quiet dropping of corruption charges against him—an arrangement that paved the way for Chilima to focus on his new political role.

Chilima also faced a constitutional roadblock. A 2009 court ruling clarified that Malawi’s Constitution bars any president, first vice-president, or second vice-president from serving more than two consecutive terms. With 2025 marking the end of his second vice-presidential term, Chilima was effectively disqualified from running.

According to aides, SKC knew the law tied his hands and that UTM’s electoral muscle without him was too weak to mount a serious presidential campaign.

Reports suggest the plan went further than loyalty: Chilima was promised a new powerful post—possibly a Prime Minister’s office to be created through constitutional amendment—in exchange for championing Chakwera’s candidacy.

Some insiders add that financial sweeteners were also on the table. Chilima was reportedly drowning in debts from his 2018–2020 campaign blitz, and government operatives offered a way to ease the burden if he stayed loyal.

Even Chakwera’s own son-in-law, Sean Kampondeni, confirmed Chilima’s intent. In a memorial reflection, Kampondeni revealed he met SKC just days before the crash, where Chilima confided he had “quite made up his mind” not to contest in 2025 and instead to drive Chakwera’s re-election campaign.

Political analyst Lyson Sibande backs the claims: “Chilima never broke ranks with MCP because he knew he needed them more than they needed him. His silence was strategic.”

Chilima’s sudden death silenced a plan that could have reshaped the 2025 elections. Yet President Chakwera’s recent move to rename a major Lilongwe highway in Chilima’s honour may be more than symbolism—it may be a final nod to a quiet alliance sealed before tragedy struck.

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