MCP warns Chakwera insulters to respect party cornerstones

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has warned those insulting party president Dr Lazarus Chakwera to respect the party’s four cornerstones of Unity, Loyalty, Obedience and Discipline.

Speaking at a political rally in Ntchisi District, Chimwendo said members who were unhappy with Chakwera’s leadership should raise their concerns through party structures instead of insulting him.

His remarks come amid calls from within MCP for Chakwera to step down and pave the way for new leadership following the party’s defeat in the 2025 general election.

Chimwendo said insulting Chakwera amounted to violating the party’s principles and warned that those involved should not expect to be welcomed back into the party.

He said MCP members should be guided by the four cornerstones, which he described as central to the party’s identity.

Chimwendo also announced that elections for various positions within MCP would begin at area level next month, with the party expecting to complete the process by the end of December.

He dismissed claims that the party was divided, pointing to the presence of several MCP members of Parliament at the Ntchisi rally as evidence that it remained united.