Main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has resigned as Member of Parliament according to the law ahead of presentation of Presidential nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) at Comesa Hall in Blantyre.

Chakwera disclosed this on Sunday during a media briefing, saying handed over the resignation letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly on February 1, 2019.

“I wish to announce that I have officially and formally resigned my position as Member of Parliament for Lilongwe North West constituency and my position as Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

“Fellow Malawians, the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi requires that I resign from these positions in order to accept your nomination of me as your preferred candidate for President,” said Chakwera.

He said his move is in line with Article Eight, Section 80, Subsection 7(e), which states: “No person shall be eligible for nomination as a candidate for election as President or First Vice-President…if that person is a holder of a public office or a Member of Parliament unless that person first resigns.”

The development means Lilongwe North West constituency has no MP effective February 1, 2019 and at the same time National Assembly has no Leader of opposition.

Chakwera has since asked aspiring candidates who currently hold public office to follow suite.

Below is the letter;