Malawi: Mutharika Speaks Loud On His Fresh Presidential Bid

By Joseph Dumbula

In a bold declaration, former Malawi President Peter Mutharika has voiced his intent to run for the presidency once again, positioning himself as a remedy for the pressing issues , including forex shortages, hunger, and economic instability.

With less than a month until the September 16 elections, Mutharika has said his extensive experience and dedication to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have prepared him to reclaim the nation’s highest office.

 Speaking at a rally in Lilongwe, Mutharika, now 83 years old, expressed confidence in his capabilities to lead Malawi out of its current crises.

“It would be naive to expect me to pass the baton to someone else after all the work I’ve put in to strengthen our party and engage with the citizens,” Mutharika stated.

His comments come amidst a crowded field of contenders challenging the incumbent president, Lazarus Chakwera, who has faced increasing criticism for his administration’s handling of the economy and social issues.

Mutharika, who served as Malawi’s president from 2014 until 2020, is acutely aware of the challenges that await him in this electoral race.

During his tenure, he faced various criticisms but also championed infrastructure projects and economic policies aimed at stabilizing the nation.

Today, he argues that the current government’s failure to address key issues has exacerbated the struggles faced by ordinary Malawians.

“The forex shortage has crippled businesses, making it hard for them to operate and grow,” Mutharika lamented. “This is a direct consequence of poor governance and lack of foresight.”

He believes that his administration would prioritize measures that would stabilize the currency and restore public confidence in the economy.

Mutharika has also taken a firm stand against the government’s handling of hunger in the country.

“Under my leadership, we prioritized food security, ensuring that no Malawian went to bed hungry. The current government has failed to make food accessible to our people,” he argued.

The former president is not alone in his endeavor; he joins a formidable list of 17 candidates vying for the presidency in the upcoming elections, including established political figures and fresh faces seeking change.