The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has been thrown into fresh turmoil as senior figures, long‑time loyalists and parliamentary leaders intensify pressure on Lazarus Chakwera to step aside and allow a new leader to take the party into the 2030 General Election. Chakwera, who lost the 2025 presidential race to Democratic Progressive Party leader Peter Mutharika, is facing growing calls to “pass the torch” after months of internal discontent. Party insiders say cracks are widening as Chakwera continues to cling to power, despite accusations that his extended stay is fuelling factional battles. The MCP National Executive Committee (NEC) recently resolved to retain Chakwera, but dissent is mounting. He argued that if Chakwera’s term has expired, the democratic path is for him to step aside and allow renewal.