Malawi: Mutharika Hits The Ground Running On Campaign Trail

By Joseph Dumbula

Former Malawi President Peter Mutharika has announced he is hitting the ground in mobilizing votes as he seeks to challenge for presidency in next year’s elections. 

The 84 year old who was unopposed as president at the convention for the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has posted that he is heading north to the city of Mzuzu where he will host his first ever rally after the convention last month.

He wrote on Facebook: ‘’ Are you tired of economic mismanagement, criminality and failing systems? I am too. Let us therefore unite and demand change through a #ReturnToProvenLeadership. Mzuzu, Katoto Ground, on 21 September 2024. We are making Malawi better again,’’.

In more recent times, Mutharika has strongly condemned the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) for orchestrating a plot to bar him from contesting in the presidential race on the pretext of advanced age.

 “Why are they worried now? Have they ever wished me well? My supporters are happy with me and I feel very strong. Again, no one can predict the future now but I can assure you that I am very strong and ready. All the nonsense is from MCP. They know that once I am in the race, they are out,” explained Mutharika.

Mutharika likened himself to Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, a Roman General who, in 17 BC, at the age of 89, managed to defeat his attackers within 16 days.

The Law Professor is now in line as the top contender against the incumbent Lazarus Chakwera who leads the MCP.