By Burnett Munthali
On Wednesday, 2 January 2025, former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika took to his Facebook page to share a message of hope and renewal following his whistle stop tours in Mulanje, Phalombe, and Chiradzulu districts. Everywhere he stopped, even in unplanned locations, the message from the people was clear and consistent: life is unbearable, and they are ready to embrace a leadership that has proven its ability to bring about real change and progress. This sentiment was echoed by Mutharika himself, as he emphasized the need to #ReturnToProvenLeadership.
In his Facebook post, Mutharika spoke directly to the people of Malawi, offering a vision of hope and a return to stable, reliable governance. “This is the year, Malawians, we will together turn back the hands of time and reap the benefits of a tried, tested, and proven leadership,” he wrote. This message resonated deeply with the crowds he met during his tour, as many expressed a longing for the kind of leadership that had brought stability and growth to the country in the past.
Throughout the whistle stop tours, Mutharika heard the same concerns from the people: escalating living costs, economic instability, and broken promises from the current government. Yet, amid these challenges, there was a renewed sense of optimism, as people voiced their readiness to embrace a leadership that understands their struggles and can provide practical solutions.
Mutharika made it clear that the path to change begins with active participation in the upcoming elections. “For those who did not register, go and register as per regulations,” he urged. The former president reminded Malawians that their votes are their voices, and now is the time to ensure that every eligible voter registers to participate in shaping the future of the nation.
He also reached out to those who had previously left the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), urging them to come back to the fold. “For those who left the DPP, come back home,” he said. “Join us to secure victory and thereafter rebuild Malawi.” His call was a powerful reminder that the doors of the DPP are open to all who are committed to the cause of proven leadership. “Makomo a DPP ndi otsegula,” Mutharika affirmed—the doors of DPP are open.
Mutharika concluded his message by expressing gratitude to the people of Mulanje, Phalombe, and Chiradzulu for their overwhelming support and commitment. “Thank you to the people of Mulanje, Phalombe, and Chiradzulu for coming out in numbers,” he wrote. “Thank you for committing to the cause of proven leadership.”
The whistle stop tours served as a testament to the growing momentum for Mutharika’s leadership and the desire among Malawians for a return to a stable and prosperous future. As Mutharika’s message continues to resonate across the country, it is clear that many are ready to come together and work toward rebuilding Malawi under leadership they trust.
With a strong commitment to the cause and a renewed sense of hope, Malawians are ready for change. And with former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika leading the charge, the promise of a better Malawi is within reach.
