Former President Peter Mutharika has been chosen as the Democratic Progressive Party’s candidate for the 2025 presidential election in Malawi. His return follows a contentious loss to President Lazarus Chakwera in 2020, which was marked by election irregularities. While Mutharika maintains solid support within the DPP, critics suggest that younger leadership would be more effective. President Chakwera faces challenges in fulfilling his campaign promises amidst considerable political scrutiny.
Peter Mutharika, the former President of Malawi, has been selected to lead the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the upcoming 2025 presidential election. At the age of 84, Mutharika is seeking a political comeback, despite previously indicating he would not contest again. He claims he is responding to his supporters’ calls for leadership against the incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, whom he lost to in a controversial election in 2020.
Mutharika’s 2020 defeat was marked by a historical Constitutional Court ruling that annulled the prior year’s election due to widespread electoral fraud, including the improper use of correction fluid on ballots. Consequently, the DPP has experienced significant internal conflict, leading to the expulsion of several party members opposed to Mutharika’s return. His candidacy was confirmed almost as a formality, considering the lack of competition for the party’s leadership.
With Mutharika and Chakwera set to face off for a third time, Mutharika professed his readiness to reclaim the presidency, criticizing the current administration as “incompetent”. While he has maintained strong support within his party, critics argue that a younger candidate would have better represented the party’s interests in this election cycle, particularly considering Chakwera’s youthful age of 69.
President Chakwera entered office with bold promises to eradicate corruption, create jobs for the youth, and enhance food security. Although the government cites Covid-19, natural disasters, and the global economic downturn as challenges to fulfilling these pledges, they assert that efforts to combat corruption have succeeded. Improvements have included the restoration of train services and significant road construction developments in the capital, Lilongwe.
As the election approaches, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) will be tasked with defending its track record while potentially leveraging concerns over Mutharika’s age and ability to serve effectively. The political landscape remains dynamic as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections, amid public scrutiny and political rivalry.
Peter Mutharika’s return to the political arena as the DPP’s presidential candidate sets the stage for a competitive election against President Lazarus Chakwera. Despite his previous defeat, Mutharika cites public demand for his leadership against what he deems an ineffective government. The incumbent administration will need to defend its record and address challenges as the electorate prepares to make crucial decisions for Malawi’s future.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
