By Burnett Munthali
In a show of solidarity and unity, several senior officials from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) joined His Excellency, President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika’s convoy during the first leg of his campaign tour from Chonde in Mulanje to Kachere in Blantyre. This marked the beginning of what is expected to be a high-profile political engagement aimed at reconnecting with party supporters and reigniting the momentum for the DPP as the 2025 elections approach.
The convoy, which started its journey in Chonde, a bustling area in Mulanje district, is the first major step in President Mutharika’s efforts to mobilize his party’s base and reaffirm DPP’s commitment to addressing the key issues facing Malawi. The convoy passed through numerous towns and villages, where Mutharika and his team were met with cheers, songs, and the unmistakable enthusiasm of party loyalists.
Among the senior DPP officials who joined the convoy were key figures such as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Honourable Dr. George Chaponda, MP; National Organising Secretary, Honourable Sameer Suleman, MP; National Director of Youth, Honourable Norman Chisale; and DPP Regional Governor for the South, Honourable Mchacha, alongside other members of the DPP National Governing Council and MPs from the southern region.
As the convoy made its way from Chonde to Kachere, supporters lined the roadsides, waving party flags and showing their unwavering loyalty to Mutharika and the DPP. In his speeches, Mutharika focused on the importance of rebuilding Malawi and re-establishing strong leadership, claiming that the current government has failed to address critical national issues such as economic stability, employment, and infrastructure development.
President Mutharika’s campaign message is clear: the DPP is committed to providing a solution to the challenges faced by Malawians, and it is time for a return to proven leadership. The mood on the ground, according to reports from the convoy, was one of optimism, as locals expressed their frustrations with the current economic situation and voiced their hope for a change in leadership.
In Kachere, Mutharika spoke to a large crowd, addressing the key concerns raised by the people in the districts. He urged party supporters to remain steadfast, warning that there would be challenges ahead but that a united DPP would overcome them. “We are a party built on the values of unity and hard work. Together, we can turn Malawi around,” Mutharika told the crowd.
In addition to his focus on national issues, the former president emphasized the importance of active voter registration ahead of the 2025 elections, reminding those who had not yet registered to do so promptly. “Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Let us all make sure we are prepared for the upcoming elections,” Mutharika urged the crowd.
The presence of senior DPP officials in the convoy also highlights the party’s commitment to ensuring a coordinated and organized campaign for the 2025 general elections. Their participation signals unity within the party and a collective effort to restore the DPP to power.
With the success of the first leg of the campaign tour, which was met with overwhelming support, the DPP is gearing up for an intense political season. As the party continues its nationwide tour, it remains to be seen how the people will respond to Mutharika’s message of hope, change, and proven leadership.
For now, the DPP appears to be on track to capitalize on the momentum generated by the tour, aiming to strengthen its political foothold and position itself as the preferred choice for many Malawians who are eager for a change in leadership. The journey from Chonde to Kachere was only the beginning, and the DPP’s political future will likely hinge on how effectively they can continue to rally supporters and communicate their message in the months leading up to the election.
