Malawi's former president, Peter Mutharika, has been selected to head the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the upcoming 2025 presidential election. At 84, Mutharika's return to the political arena marks a significant shift, especially given his previous indication that he would not seek office again.
Mutharika’s resurgence is driven by a belief among his supporters that he can rescue Malawi from the perceived failures of the current administration under President Lazarus Chakwera. Mutharika, who lost to Chakwera in the 2020 re-run election ordered by the Constitutional Court due to widespread vote tampering in the 2019 poll, now faces the incumbent for a third face-off.
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| Former Malawian President Peter Mutharika lead the opposition Democratic Progressive Party in next year’s presidential election. |
The DPP's internal struggles have led to the expulsion of several members, clearing the path for Mutharika's uncontested re-election as party leader. This recent endorsement is seen as a mere formality, but it sets the stage for a high-stakes contest between the two veteran politicians.
In his campaign, Mutharika has criticized the current government, describing it as "incompetent" and promising to restore effective governance. Despite strong backing from his party, there is debate over whether a younger candidate might better represent the future of Malawian politics.
President Chakwera, who is 15 years younger than Mutharika, entered office with ambitious goals, including tackling corruption, creating jobs, and ensuring food security. However, his administration has struggled to meet these promises, citing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and the economic impact of the Ukraine conflict. Government officials, including Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu, defend the administration’s record, highlighting achievements like the reintroduction of train services and major road construction projects.
As the election approaches, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) will need to defend its accomplishments and potentially address concerns about Mutharika’s age and capability to lead effectively once more.
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