By Burnett Munthali
In a candid audio clip shared on a retired soldiers’ WhatsApp group, one of Malawi’s retired soldiers has stirred a thought-provoking conversation by bluntly describing Malawian politics as “trash.” His commentary highlights the deep disillusionment felt by many citizens regarding the current state of political leadership.
The retired soldier, whose identity remains undisclosed, compared the political leadership in Malawi to the strategic and disciplined leadership required in the army, particularly that of an army commander during a battle. He argued that army commanders plan their operations with precision, making sacrifices and decisions for the greater good of their troops and mission. In contrast, he expressed disappointment with Malawi’s political leaders, accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over national progress.
The retired soldier’s insights were not the only sharp observations in the group. He praised Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network renowned for conducting thorough opinion polls across the continent. Unlike many critics who question the accuracy of surveys, he asserted that Afrobarometer consistently provides accurate results because their teams immerse themselves in villages, interact directly with citizens, and conduct extensive grassroots research.
“Their approach is unmatched,” he said, emphasizing that Afrobarometer’s methods capture the pulse of ordinary Malawians, ensuring their opinions are reflected in reports. This grassroots connection, he noted, is why their findings often resonate with public sentiment.
The soldier also reminisced about Malawi’s historic 1994 elections, where the United Democratic Front (UDF) defeated the then-ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). “Nobody believed MCP could lose,” he remarked. The unexpected victory signaled a significant shift in Malawi’s political landscape and demonstrated the power of public will.
Drawing parallels to the upcoming 2025 elections, he noted that history could repeat itself, urging Malawians to stay vigilant and exercise their right to vote.
The retired soldier ended his remarks with a cryptic but intriguing observation about the 2025 elections, describing it as a “wachiona ndani” scenario – loosely translated to mean “the one who sees it, claims it.” He likened it to a military map-reading exercise, where the ability to navigate through chaos and make informed decisions will determine the victor.
In his view, the elections will be a test of strategy, resilience, and the ability to connect with the electorate in a deeply divided political environment.
The retired soldier’s commentary reflects the sentiments of many Malawians frustrated by the state of politics in the country. His comparison of political leadership to military command underscores the urgent need for discipline, integrity, and a focus on national development in Malawi’s leadership.
As the 2025 elections approach, these reflections serve as a reminder that leadership is not just about holding office but about inspiring trust and delivering results for the people.
