Experts Cast Doubt on MCP’s Manifesto Ahead of 2025 Polls

Governance and political experts have cast doubt on the Malawi Congress Party (MCP)’s newly launched development agenda, citing the party’s failure to deliver on its previous promises during the past five years in government.

Political analyst Dr. George Chaima and good governance advocate Lucky Mbewe expressed their concerns following the launch of the MCP’s new manifesto by party president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, who has pledged to implement the agenda if re-elected in the upcoming 2025 general elections.

Dr. Chaima argued that some of the promises outlined in the manifesto are overly ambitious and unrealistic to achieve within a five-year period.

“There is simply too much being promised in too short a time,” he said.

On his part, Lucky Mbewe said he was particularly surprised by the pledge to provide K500,000 to every newborn child, at a time when the country is grappling with high levels of poverty and overpopulation.

“This kind of policy may encourage high birth rates, which could worsen poverty in the long run,” Mbewe said, urging the party to revise such proposals in the interest of long-term national development.