A close ally of former President Peter Mutharika, Leonard Chimbanga who is also vying for Parliamentary seat in the September 16, 2025 general election has condemned a move by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s regime to table a Presidential limit bill in the August House.
Chakwera is planning to use the bill to block Mutharika, a torchbearer of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from contesting from the polls.
At the heart of the controversy is a proposed amendment to Section 80(6) of the Constitution of Malawi, which seeks to introduce a 75-year age limit for presidential candidates. The concerned citizens argue that this move is a direct attack on democracy, violating the principles of constitutionalism and the rights of citizens to participate in the political process.
Writing on his official facebook page Chimbanga described the move as a blatant attack on democracy.
“President Lazarus Chakwera and his government seem determined to amend the Constitution to bar Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika from contesting in the next presidential election. This move is not only a blatant attack on democracy but also a dangerous precedent that undermines the principles of governance.
“The framers of our Constitution deliberately left an open age limit for presidential candidates. This was not an oversight but a safeguard to ensure that Malawians have the freedom to choose their leaders without unnecessary restrictions. It is worth noting that in 1994, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) fielded Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who was 89 years old at the time. If age was not an issue then, it should not be an issue today. Leadership is determined by competence, vision, and the ability to deliver not by age,” wrote Chimbanga.
Chimbanga then urged the Chakwera’s administration to focus on the challenges affecting Malawians.
“During Mutharika’s tenure, inflation remained in single digits, food prices were stable, and fuel shortages were rare. In contrast, under the current administration, the cost of living continues to rise, inflation is out of control, and fuel prices fluctuate unpredictably. This economic mismanagement has left Malawians struggling, yet instead of addressing these pressing issues, the government is prioritizing constitutional changes that serve its political interests.
“Malawians must not be limited in their choices by a government afraid of competition. The MCP must focus on convincing the electorate why they deserve a second term instead of attempting to manipulate the Constitution to eliminate political opponents. Such actions will only destabilize the country and fuel political unrest,” he said.
Chimbanga added: “I urge President Chakwera to immediately abandon this undemocratic attempt to alter the Constitution. He swore to uphold and protect it, not to change it for political gain. I also call upon Members of Parliament to reject any such bill. They may be offered financial incentives, but they must put the country and future generations first.”
Meanwhile, Chimbanga has appealed to International Organization to condemn the undemocratic act.
“I call upon the international community to condemn these dictatorial tendencies and, if necessary, impose sanctions on those responsible should the government proceed with this unconstitutional agenda.
“Democracy must be defended at all costs. Malawians deserve a government that respects the rule of law and upholds the principles of free and fair elections,” said Chimbanga.
Effort to talk to Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu on the matter proved futile.
Reports have it that government has set aside K300 million of taxpayers’ money to bribe stakeholders including Members of Parliament to support the bill.
