Malawi’s political operations are heating up as the country’s main opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), officially endorses former President Peter Mutharika as its candidate in the upcoming 2025 presidential election. The DPP sees This endorsement as a strategic move to reclaim power in a nation struggling with economic challenges and leadership concerns.
Peter Mutharika, now 84 years old, served as Malawi’s president from 2014 to 2020. His return to the political arena comes when the country faces significant economic difficulties, including a sluggish economy, persistent foreign currency shortages, and a critical lack of fuel and medicines. In his acceptance speech, Mutharika did not mince words, confidently asserting that both he and his party are ready to “fix the economy” and address the issues that have plagued the nation under the current administration.
The former president will go head-to-head with the incumbent, President Lazarus Chakwera, who represents the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Chakwera, who took office in 2020, will be seeking a second term in the election scheduled for September 16, 2025. The political battle between these two experienced leaders is expected to be intense, with the future of Malawi’s economy hanging in the balance.
During the DPP’s national convention held in Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial capital, Mutharika made it clear that his party has a history of winning from the opposition and is determined to repeat that success in the upcoming election. He expressed his unwavering confidence, stating, “We are coming to fix the economy.” His message resonated with party members and supporters, many of whom are eager to see a change in leadership and a return to the economic progress that they associate with Mutharika’s previous tenure.
Mutharika’s time as president was marked by significant infrastructure improvements and a noticeable slowdown in inflation. However, his administration was not without controversy. Critics frequently accused him of corruption and cronyism—allegations that Mutharika has consistently denied. These accusations, nevertheless, have left a lasting impact on his legacy and will likely be a focal point in the upcoming election campaign.
On the other hand, President Chakwera’s tenure has been characterized by promises to tackle corruption and stimulate economic growth. Despite these pledges, many of his opponents argue that he has failed to deliver on these commitments, pointing to the continued fragility of Malawi’s economy as evidence. As a result, the upcoming election is shaping up to be a referendum on Chakwera’s leadership and his ability to govern effectively.
One of the most significant developments in the lead-up to the 2025 election is Mutharika’s announcement that he plans to form an opposition alliance. This alliance would include the United Transformation Movement (UTM), a party founded by the late Vice President Saulos Chilima. Chilima tragically passed away in a plane crash in June, an event that sent shockwaves through Malawi’s political community.
The UTM played a crucial role in helping Chakwera defeat Mutharika in the 2020 election, making the potential alliance between the UTM and the DPP a game-changing move. If this alliance comes to fruition, it could significantly reshape the electoral situation and alter the dynamics of the presidential race. However, the UTM has not yet confirmed its participation in this proposed alliance. A spokesperson for the UTM did not respond to requests for comment, leaving many to speculate on the future of this potential political partnership.
