Gerald Kazembe, Member of Parliament for Mangochi Monkey Bay, has resigned from his position as First Deputy Secretary General of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), citing the need for reflection and renewal within the party following its defeat in the 2025 general elections.
In a formal letter addressed to MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda and dated March 14, 2026, Kazembe announced that his resignation takes effect immediately.
Writting from Chembe Village in Cape Maclear, Mangochi, Kazembe said his decision comes after a period of deep reflection following the outcome of the 2025 Malawi General Elections, in which the MCP lost power and moved from government to the opposition benches.
“Elections are the ultimate democratic audit,” Kazembe wrote, adding that when voters deliver their judgment, political leaders must respond with humility, reflection and a commitment to renewal.
He said such moments should allow parties to assess where they fell short and reposition themselves to rebuild public confidence.
Kazembe noted that despite predictions that the party would lose the election, he chose to contest under the MCP banner rather than run as an independent candidate.
“I deliberately stood on the MCP ticket because I believed firmly in the historic mission of this party and in its potential to represent a truly national and people-centred political movement with the right leadership,” he said.
The legislator expressed gratitude to voters in Mangochi, particularly those in Mangochi M’baluku and Mangochi Monkey Bay, for their continued trust.
He credited his supporters for delivering what he described as a rare and historic victory for an MCP councillor in the area and for electing him to Parliament.
Despite stepping down from the national leadership role, Kazembe clarified that he will remain a member of the MCP and continue serving his parliamentary term under the party.
He said his resignation reflects a belief that the party must engage in honest introspection and organisational renewal following the election defeat.
“Political movements remain strong when they are able to reflect candidly on their experiences, draw lessons from the will of the people, and adapt in ways that strengthen both internal cohesion and national credibility,” Kazembe said.
He also urged the party—often historically associated with Malawi’s founding president Hastings Kamuzu Banda—to embrace a forward-looking approach built on unity, accountability and leadership capable of inspiring national confidence.
Kazembe thanked MCP members and supporters for the opportunity to serve in the leadership role and pledged to continue working with others committed to strengthening the party and Malawi’s democratic development.
He concluded by paying tribute to several late party figures, including John Z. U. Tembo and Mohammed Sidik Mia.
