By Burnett Munthali
His Excellency President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has called on the constituents of Mwanza West and Mwanza Central to register to vote at Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) centers starting tomorrow, 28th November 2024, through 17th November 2024.
Speaking to a crowd at Thambani Community this afternoon, Mutharika underscored the importance of voter registration as a crucial step toward resolving the nation’s ongoing challenges. He emphasized that the upcoming elections offer an opportunity for change and urged the public to support the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for a better future.
“The rising prices of essential household commodities such as fertilizer, maize, salt, and sugar are a direct result of poor leadership. These challenges can only be resolved by voting for the DPP and my leadership in next year’s elections,” Mutharika declared to an enthusiastic audience.
Mutharika also warned against repeating the mistakes of the past, particularly supporting members of parliament who later abandoned the DPP. He cited two MPs from Mwanza District who shifted allegiance to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) after the DPP lost power in 2020. According to Mutharika, this betrayal contributed to the economic struggles the country faces today, including persistent hunger and a high cost of living.
“Let us not be deceived again. We need leaders who are loyal to the DPP and who will work with us to restore Malawi’s development and prosperity,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the poor state of infrastructure in Mwanza District, particularly the road connecting Mwanza Boma to Thambani, which he described as being in deplorable condition. He assured residents that improving road infrastructure in the district would be a priority for his administration if re-elected.
“We cannot develop as a district if our roads remain in this state. A DPP government will ensure that this road and others are improved for better connectivity and development,” Mutharika promised.
In a related development, Mutharika welcomed former Mwanza West Member of Parliament Dr. Paul Chibingu back to the DPP. Chibingu, who had joined the UTM Party, has now returned to contest in the upcoming DPP primary elections for Mwanza West. His return is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s influence in the region ahead of next year’s elections.
The DPP is intensifying its efforts to regain power in the 2025 elections by rallying supporters and addressing key concerns in its strongholds. Mutharika’s visit to Mwanza and his call for voter registration signal the party’s focus on mobilizing grassroots support and ensuring maximum voter turnout.
As the registration period begins, the people of Mwanza have an opportunity to shape their district’s future and contribute to the national discourse on development, leadership, and economic reform.
