LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has praised President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for assenting to the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections (Amendment) Bill No. 23 of 2025 saying is critical in safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming polls.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, CSEIF says, “President’s move resolves a long standing issue that had been a key focus during discussions between the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and accredited observers at the Bingu International Conference Centre on 2nd September 2025”.
During the meeting, CSEIF had warned that failing to assent to the bill could have jeopardized the lawful and timely deployment of polling staff, security officers and party or candidate representatives.
Such a delay they argued would have disrupted election logistics and undermined public confidence in the electoral process.
The organization highlighted that the amended law now explicitly secures voting rights for these crucial groups enabling them to fully exercise their constitutional right to vote while carrying out their official electoral duties.
“By assenting to this law the President has safeguarded the right to vote for these essential groups, averted a constitutional crisis and empowered MEC to proceed with seamless logistical planning and deployment in advance of the 16th September 2025 General Elections,” read part of the statement signed by CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe.
CSEIF also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting comprehensive electoral reforms after the 2025 polls.
The organization emphasized the importance of addressing the voting rights of other groups who have historically been left out of the process including students, accredited observers, prisoners and certain categories of medical personnel.
The group urged authorities to ensure that these categories are explicitly provided for in future amendments guaranteeing their participation in the 2030 elections and beyond.
With just weeks to go before Malawians head to the polls, CSEIF said it will continue to work closely with MEC and other stakeholders to promote credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera attended a church service and Golden Jubilee celebration this morning at Christ for Nations Lord’s Grace Cathedral in Area 25, Lilongwe.
The event marked fifty years of faith, service, and community outreach by the church, drawing congregants and leaders from across the country.
President Chakwera’s presence underscored his commitment to engaging with religious institutions and recognizing their role in promoting social cohesion and moral guidance.
The church service featured prayers, sermons, and musical performances that celebrated the milestone and reflected on the church’s journey over the past five decades.
The Golden Jubilee celebration also served as an opportunity for congregants to reflect on their faith and renew commitments to community development and social responsibility.
Photographs capturing moments from the service were taken by Donald Zimba, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere of worship and celebration.
The gathering provided a platform for church leaders and political figures to interact, fostering dialogue on faith-based initiatives and their impact on local communities.
President Chakwera’s attendance at such events continues to strengthen the bond between the government and religious organizations, emphasizing shared goals of national development and moral leadership.
Concluding Analysis
President Chakwera’s participation in the Christ for Nations Golden Jubilee is more than a ceremonial act; it reflects the intersection of faith and governance in Malawi.
By attending, he reinforces the importance of religious institutions in shaping societal values, promoting unity, and supporting development initiatives.
This engagement also highlights the government’s recognition of the church’s long-standing contribution to education, health, and social welfare, which complements national efforts to improve livelihoods.
Overall, the celebration demonstrates how faith-based milestones can serve as platforms for community cohesion, national reflection, and dialogue between leaders and citizens.
RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, November 13, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — Saudi Fund for Development’s CEO meets with the presidents of Gabon, Tanzania, Malawi, and Tajikistan
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, met with the presidents of the Republic of Gabon, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Malawi, and the Republic of Tajikistan on the sidelines of the Saudi-African Summit held in Riyadh.
The CEO met with the Transitional President of the Republic of Gabon, General Brice Oligui Nguema in Riyadh to discuss opportunities for development cooperation between the two sides, particularly in the key sectors of infrastructure, agriculture, and education. He also met with President of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to discuss the progress of development projects and programs funded by SFD in Tanzania.
The CEO also met the President of the Republic of Malawi, Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, at the SFD’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the development projects and programs funded by the Fund in Malawi. President Chakwera praised the existing development relations with the SFD, noting that they have helped to improve the lives of millions of Malawians and boost the country’s economy.
The CEO also met with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, , at his residence in Riyadh, accompanied by H.E Waleed Alreshiadan, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Tajikistan. The two sides discussed the development projects and programs funded by the SFD in Tajikistan. Highlighting a key outcome of the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) signed 14 development loan agreements with 12 African countries, worth over $580 million USD.
These agreements include a development agreement to finance the Construction and Rehabilitation of the Mangochi-Makanjira Road Project in Malawi for $20 million and the Benaco to Kyaka Transmission Line Project in Tanzania for $13 million. These agreements build on the Fund’s ongoing development efforts to support and promote social growth and economic prosperity in Africa.
In line with its mission to promote global sustainable development since 1975, SFD has funded more than 800 development projects worth $20 billion in over 100 countries around world. In Africa alone, SFD has financed over 400 projects worth $10.7 billion in 46 countries. This accounts for 57% of SFD’s funding in developing countries worldwide. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ About the Saudi Fund for Development The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is a government entity that provides soft development loans and grants to finance development projects and programs in developing countries.
Since 1975, SFD has financed over 800 development projects worth US$20 billion in over 100 countries around world across various sectors such as transportation and communications, social infrastructure, agriculture, energy, industry and mining, and others. The projects support generating socio-economic development and help to improve the living standards of disadvantaged communities in countries most in need. SFD’s activities are aligned with the international development principles and contribute towards realizing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, it unifies its efforts in development support through partnerships and cooperation with regional and international organizations.
https://www.sfd.gov.sa/en Social media Twitter: @SaudiFund_Dev Instagram: saudifund_dev Facebook: SaudiFundDev YouTube:@SaudiFund_Dev
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Ministry of Finance has released MK500m to facilitate implementation of mega farms.
Greenbelt Authority Chief Executive Officer, Eric Chidzungu, whose organization is implementing the setting of the mega farms has told Zodiak that five farms have already been set up and maize has been planted.
The mega farms are in Karonga, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Salima (2) and Mangochi, according to Chidzungu.
Meanwhile, Controller of Agricultural Extension and Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, who is also coordinating setting of mega farms, Alfred Mwenefumbo, says they have developed a concept that has set conditions to woo those that want to go into farming on big farms to follow.
Mega farms were part of President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government promises made during 2020 Presidential polls campaign period.
If you believe wikipedia Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera (born 5 April 1955) is a Malawian theologian and politician who has served as President of Malawi since June 2020. In addition to the Presidency, he also gave himself a cabinet portfolio as Minister of Defence. He has been leader of the Malawi Congress Party since 2013 and was previously Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly following highly controversial elections held on 21 May 2019 which were overturned by the Constitutional Court. He was appointed chairman of SADC on 17 August at the SADC 41st Annual Summit held on 9 August to 19 august in Lilongwe, Malawi . He was President of the Malawi Assemblies of God from 1989 to 14 May 2013.
The Rise of Lazarus Chakwera
Chakwera a new comer to Malawi Politics had risen very fast in the MCP. It appears from nowhere. He admitted that he joined the MCP as it was the only vehicle that would allow him to lead it. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera (born 5 April 1955) is now the President of Malawi’s Main Opposition Party, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) after dethroning John Tembo. He served as the leader of opposition in the national assembly.
His vengeful tendencies began when he eliminated long time members of the party like Jessie Kabwila and many others. This should have been a sign to Malawians. You know the little man syndrome. Kamuzu had it and Lazarus Chakwera is showing it as well.
Rumours of Chakwera’s intention to run in the MCP’s presidential race were first reported in online media on 9 April 2013. They were confirmed on 14 April 2013. Chakwera later submitted his nomination papers while still at the helm of the Malawi Assemblies of God. The MCP convention slated for 27 April 2013 was later postponed to 10 and 11 August where he was elected as the president of MCP, and he represented the party in the 2014 general election.
During 2014 Malawi General elections, rumors spread by mainly Lazarus Chakwera and his MCP supporters speculated in different platforms that the elections were rigged. Lazarus Chakwera disputed those elections. However, he did not find a willing partner in the outgoing President Joyce Banda. So, he had no choice but wait for the next Elections in 2019 which he lost .
Fast Forward Lazarus Chakwera joined forces with UTM leader Saulos Chilima and multiple other parties to form the illegal ‘Tonse Alliance’ in preparation for the June 2020 Malawi General elections, with Chilima running as Vice President. This happened when Court ruled out the 2019 General elections due to so called massive irregularities after DPP claimed victory.
Lazarus Chakwera with the help of the illegal newly formed So callled “Tonse Alliance” (creation of Malawi Judiciary with the aim of defeating the 40% DPP support) defeated incumbent president Peter Mutharika in the 2020 election, having obtained almost 59% of the vote. Lazarus Chakwera was sworn in as the sixth president of Malawi on 28 June. On this occasion, Malawi became the first African Country to have its presidential election result overturned due to irregularities and an opposition leader went on to win the rerun election. The Republic of Kenya’s Supreme Court had been the very first to nullify in 2017, but the rerun election therefrom was never won by the opposition leader.
THE DPP CASE HAS MERIT
Lazarus Chakwera and Foreign Minister Mkaka
Katiwenge Chirambo writes:
HOW THE DPP OUTMANOEUVRED THE MCP : DESPITE THE CLEVER MCP TRICKERY
This is an exciting story about how the MCP was outsmarted and outmaneuvered by the DPP.
Last year, immediately after the appointment of the MEC Commissioners, the MCP rushed to court. But right after Chakwera won through the rigging scheme, they left the issue lying low.
In 2021, because of some long-standing gripe Lazarus Chakwera and Eisenhower Nduwa Mkaka had against DPP appointed Commissioners Kunje and Mathanga, they thought it was time to strike.
The MCP was somewhat happy that they are now a party in power. So, they did not have an issue with what they called an “illegal commission” presiding over the election that declared Chakwera President.
The two strong, tough, and uncompromising commissioners were seen as a headache for the MCP. Chakwera and the MCP put their plan in motion.
Their attack was going to be double-pronged.
Lazarus Chakwera would use his powers as President to fire them directly. But, if they resist, the MCP on the other side, through Mkaka, must reopen the 2020 case.
The plans seem to go well, as seen with Zanga-Zanga Chikosi serving the suspension letters. But as expected, Kunje and Mathanga did not take it lying low. They fought – petitioning the courts to reverse the blunder.
Seeing the looming disaster, the then-Attorney General, Silungwe, quickly cautioned Chakwera on the dire consequences of firing the commissioners.
But arrogant Chakwera and the MCP would have none of it.
As Kunje and Mathanga were busy with the appeal, then the second plan of attack was unleashed by Mkaka. They had their judge already, Kenyatta Nyirenda, who was going to deliver the blow.
To avoid any fight and resistance by the DPP, Mkaka directly lodged his case against Chakwera. So, the DPP and its commissioners were not the respondents in the case. All the DPP could do was to watch the game, as Mkaka took his President (Lazarus Chakwera) to court.
Chakwera did not oppose, as expected, and as per their plan.
Eisenhower Nduwa Mkaka and the MCP leadership were so happy. Kenyatta Nyirenda’s ruling was going to deal a significant blow on the planned appeal of Kunje and Mathanga.
Kenyatta Nyirenda nullified the appointment of Kunje and Mathanga and all the four commissioners nominated by the DPP. Big victory for the MCP. The DPP or the commissioners cannot appeal. It was not their case – but Eisenhower Nduwa Mkaka vs Lazarus Chakwera.
Before the MCP could finish their celebrations champagne, Kunje and Mathanga withdrew their plan to appeal – and then the DPP went for a masterstroke and strike.
Through its Press Statement in July, the DPP went for the big prize, stating that the consequences of the Lazarus Chakwera and Eisenhower Nduwa Mkaka would be NULLIFICATION of the 2020 Election and subsequent elections.
The MCP snake bit its tail!
But the big thing is – the case was not based on the election results or events of June 2020 at all. But the violation of Section 75 of the Constitution.
The MCP and Lazarus Chakwera were incorrectly advised that the General Interpretation Act and part of the Electoral Act would help them, but no! The DPP lawyers, led by the legal luminary, Mhango, were ready.
The DPP is now in court against the state, leaving the MCP out, just like the MCP did to the DPP earlier on.
The new Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda was left confused by the fact that the DPP was not challenging the electoral results.
If you look at the papers, the AG Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda is very confused. At first, he thought that the DPP would appeal against the MCP case – but it was not possible to appeal the Mkaka case because the DPP was not a party to it.
Now the MCP is left with no ability to appeal the judgement in their case to somewhat correct the situation.
Secondly, the AG Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda thought that there would be a direct challenge against the Electoral Act. But the electoral act has clear timelines on when the appeal against the results of the election can be done.
Miscalculation!
The DPP does not want anything to do with the electoral act. In fact, the DPP, in its papers, is saying that the Constitution overrides the electoral act.
The DPP went directly for the jugular. Lodging an electoral case about the violation of Section 75 of the Constitution. The case is directly against the state, represented by Lazarus Chakwera.
The AG remains further confused. But to wiggle out, he tried his last-ditch effort of using technicalities. The DPP clinically crushed those technicalities.
Again, the AG Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda is now stuck with the advice his office gave to the MEC in April. That “the act of rescission of the appointment of the MEC Commissioners would violate Section 75 of the constitution”. It is on record. He now has no defence on this case.
From the look of things, the DPP has lodged a case whereby all the affected parties, including the AG, are all reduced into spectators.
This is a technical knockout. The MCP, Lazarus Chakwera, and AG,Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda all outplayed, outmaneuvered by the DPP, are left reeling with confusion.
A re-run looks imminent, and the MCP seems to have accepted it, judging by how they have already started with some campaign activities.
LONDON-(MaraviPost)-As a resident of this country and as someone who has traveled a lot within the UK, I welcome His Excellency, the State President of the Republic of Malawi, to London. This is his first trip to Europe since he became the president.
The president has been very desperate to visit a developed country. So far, his trips from home have been within Africa, and he did not seem satisfied. Congratulations, Mr President; finally, you have forced your way through. Your trip to London coincides with my annual leave, which makes it impossible to offer my volunteer in-person tour guide services that would have been available if I was around, as I am in Mauritius enjoying my hard-earned annual leave. Therefore, this written piece will suffice as I share tips to guide you with your stay in England.
Here are the tips:
1) Paying for transport: We do not use cash to pay for public transport in London. Please buy an Oyster card; it costs £5. It would be best if you topped it up as you travel within London. If you can afford it, put money for one week. Costs depend on which zone you want to travel to. Every time you enter a train station or use the famous red buses, swipe, or touch your card on the scanner, you will be good to go.
2 (a) If you are on the bus or tube, please be aware that there are no presidential seats reserved for you. Please, Mr President, show courtesy. You may be expected to offer a seat to a pregnant woman, the elderly, the disabled and others. Although these values are in the Malawian culture, politicians like you often ignore these values. Here in Britain, politicians abide by these cultural values.
2 (b) When using your own transport: Be aware that your large convoy is not allowed here, and it is unnecessary. Also, presidential sirens are not allowed. You will have to travel on the road like any other road user. In London traffic jam simasewera especially during peak hours. Kuno kulibe zoti a traffic police ayima panseu kuyimisa anthu ena kuti KWANTERE KWANTERE adutse…..Forget!
2 (c) You can decide to use a bicycle to move around. You can rent as many bikes as you want, you will see them on the streets. All you need is to put money for you to have it unlocked. This way you will beat traffic in London. I know you may be concerned about security but be assured, no one will kill you here. After all, for whose benefit? Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, uses a bicycle, and he has never been attacked. Why should you be worried then? Moreover, some of us have been here for more than 15 years, cycling without an incident.
3) If you see a large crowd of people on the streets, do not be tempted to believe that they have gathered to see you. The UK is not Malawi, and please do not wave at them or do your Chakwera Hi5. You might be embarrassed as no one will respond to your gestures. Please do not say I did not warn you. Very few people know you exist here.
4) Language: The medium of communication here is English. Would you please not come here to show off your fake American accent. Extend this advice to your beloved son-in-law, who is among the family members you are travelling with, for he too has the urge to use these fake accents. For example, words like Itsanana will leave your few Malawian handclappers and bootlickers in awe when used by you, but they do not exist in the English Dictionary and may only confuse the British. Do your Kwantere-Kwantere in Kasiya, not in London.
5) Shopping: I have observed that you, your cabinet, and the press team are in a dressing competition. Buy yourself new clothes from PRIMARK. I think this shop suits you well. Most Malawians flock to that shop when they visit. You can also buy a gift for your vice Chilima from the same shop. There are also charity shops such as Salvation Army, British heart foundation, Sue Ryder and others, where you can buy cheap clothes. However, if you will be using taxpayer’s money which is most likely, House of Fraser, Debenhams, John and Lewis are the shops to explore. Make sure you stand in the queue and wait for your turn to be served. Kulibe zolowelana pa nzela kuno.
6) Visiting people: We know that you like visiting people’s homes uninvited. You visited APM when you were in Mangochi; you saw Bakili Muluzi when you were in Blantyre and Grace Obama in Mzuzu. Much as I appreciate that this is a Malawian culture, please book an appointment to visit people here in the UK. People have busy schedules and work hard to earn a living here. Malawians living in the UK don’t have access to the 6.2 billion and 17 billion COVID-19 funds or 300 million you allocated for the 6th July celebrations. If you plan to visit people unannounced, you may not find them at home, which could be embarrassing. Others may not open the door for you deliberately because they will not be expecting a visitor. Moreover, some Malawians here live illegally and may mistake you for the police seeking to arrest them.
7) Lastly but not least, on the same point of visiting people. Please!! DO NOT VISIT THE QUEEN UNLESS INVITED. We know that you like attending funerals, and you missed The Duke of Edinburg’s funeral due to COVID-19 restrictions. You were likely to travel to London for the funeral even without an invitation. We know that you will be tempted to visit Queen Elizabeth the second kuti mukapepese maliro, komanso kuti mukayike nkhata, LOL! as if ndizosekesa. Please don’t embarrass us Malawians; they will not even open the gate for you. Moreover, you don’t know whether she’s at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. However, you are at liberty to take photos outside these buildings and post them on Facebook. Yanu ija a PULE. Please don’t forget to tag Chilima, APM, John Chisi, Ras Chikomeni, Chikosa Silungwe, among other friends you have.
Enjoy your stay, I wish I was around kuti ndikuoneseni town bwana wanga muli apa!
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—As the debate on the K7 billion legal fees that Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has been ordered to pay lawyers for Lazarus Chakwera and Saulos Chilima as costs for the presidential election case, presidential spokesperson Sean Kampondeni, who also doubles as executive assistant to the president, has posed interesting questions apparently against the bill.
While many a Malawian would expect Kampondeni to support the K7 billion bill by virtue of being President Chakwera’s executive assistant, his questions point to the notion that the bill is the petitioners’ (Chakwera and Chilima) conspiracy to enrich themselves by duping the state with an assistance of the country’s compromised judiciary.
In his strong opposition to the ‘doctored’ bill, Kampondeni wonders what would have happened had the petitioners lost the case.
His argument makes sense and can make much sense if we factor in the revelation that one of the petitioners President Lazarus Chakwera is about K300 million (not billion) wealth, according to asset declaration forms presented few days ago by the president.
Kampondeni is of the view that lawyers should have charged an equivalent to what they would have charged their clients had they lost the case.
“Does anyone really believe that if the two Petitioners had lost the elections case at the Constitutional Court, the bill their lawyers would have presented to them for legal services for eight months would have been 7 billion kwacha?
“If not, doesn’t the State’s loss of the case with costs mean that the tax payer should only pay either whatever bills the lawyers would have charged their clients had they lost or whatever bills they agreed to when they negotiated the terms of representation with their clients?” questions Kampondeni.
In view of the exorbitant legal fees and a clear demonstration of anger of patriot, Kampondeni further argues that lawyers should no longer be regarded as contributors to the cause of justice in the court case.
He argues: “Even in the unlikely event that the 7 billion kwacha bill is more reasonable than extortionate, is there a reason tax payers are not being told how much of it will be shouldered by each of the two respondents, just as taxpayers have been told how much of it will be awarded to each of the two petitioners?
“And if the triumphant lawyers have chosen to burden the taxpayer with such a bill as their just recompense, should the lawyers still be regarded in the court of public opinion as sacrificial contributors to the cause of justice in the court case or should their public esteem now be reduced to something more mercenary?
“Doesn’t this bill justify and warrant a repeal of the general approach of assessing legal costs only after a trial instead of continuously throughout the trial so that the court already knows the costs on each side when it is delivering a judgment on costs?”
Commenting, one facebook user Felix Njewa Kankhukwa wondered why the judiciary does not take into consideration the size of the country’s economy when taxing legal fees.
“Justice and law should also have a consideration in the economic situation and GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of a country like ours. I don’t know what law say about it. Indeed law is not justice. Much more we need sanity to our judgments,” he argued.
The Malawi High Court ordered Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on 10th August to pay lawyers for President Lazarus Chakwera and his Vice President Saulos Chilima K7, 004, 612, 360 in legal fees for the Presidential Election Case.
Initially, the lawyers for Chakwera and Chilima tabulated and presented a bill of K9 billion but the matter went for assessment on July 28, 2020 before High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal Registrar, Agnes Patemba, who made a determination on August 10.
According to Patemba, the first respondent MEC was given 45 days to pay the now taxed costs for the Concourt case and 30 days for the Supreme Court appeal case.
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