DPP weekend highlights: Engaging Malawians across the nation

By Burnett Munthali

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) demonstrated its renewed vigor and strategic focus over the weekend of January 18–19, 2025, with leaders from all regions engaging Malawians through rallies, strategic meetings, and whistle-stop tours. The series of events highlighted the party’s efforts to connect with supporters, aspiring leaders, and the broader electorate ahead of the 2025 general elections.

Mzuzu: Strategic engagement in the North

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, DPP Vice President for the North, Hon. Jappie Mhango, led a crucial strategic engagement with DPP aspiring Members of Parliament (MPs) and councillors in Mzuzu. Accompanied by the regional committee, Mhango emphasized the importance of unity, grassroots mobilization, and issue-based campaigns. The meeting sought to equip aspiring candidates with tools to effectively communicate the party’s vision to the electorate while addressing pressing issues affecting communities in the northern region.

Lilongwe: Mega Rally at Chilimampunga Ground

In Lilongwe, the DPP Vice President for the Centre, Hon. Alfred Gangata, hosted a Mega Rally at Chilimampunga Ground in Ntandire on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The event attracted a massive crowd of supporters who chanted slogans and displayed unwavering loyalty to the party. Gangata and the regional committee outlined the DPP’s development agenda, focusing on infrastructure, education, and job creation. The rally was a platform for the party to reassure Malawians in the central region of its readiness to govern and deliver on its promises.

Mangochi: National address by Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika

On the same Sunday, DPP leader and former President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika delivered a highly anticipated National Address from his Page House residence in Mangochi. In his speech, Mutharika outlined the DPP’s vision for Malawi, criticized the current administration’s shortcomings, and emphasized the party’s commitment to restoring economic stability, addressing corruption, and improving the welfare of Malawians. His address served as a rallying call for party supporters to mobilize and ensure a DPP victory in the upcoming elections.

Mulanje: Whistle-stop tour of the South

DPP Vice President for the South, Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, MP, led a whistle-stop tour across Mulanje District on Sunday. Joined by members of the regional committee, Mwanamvekha engaged with local communities, addressing their concerns and reiterating the party’s focus on regional development. He assured residents of Mulanje that a DPP government would prioritize agricultural growth, healthcare, and infrastructure in the southern region.

Zomba: Whistle-stop tour in the East

In Zomba, DPP Vice President for the East, Hon. Bright Msaka SC, MP, launched a three-day whistle-stop tour, beginning on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Msaka and the regional committee visited several communities in the district, highlighting the party’s achievements during its previous tenure and presenting its plans for the future. Msaka urged residents to support the DPP, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership to address the country’s current challenges.

A coordinated national effort

The weekend’s events demonstrated the DPP’s commitment to engaging with Malawians across the country. Through strategic meetings, rallies, and tours, the party showcased its readiness to take on the challenges facing the nation and provide solutions that align with the aspirations of the people.

As the 2025 elections draw closer, the DPP’s activities signal a strategic approach to grassroots mobilization and issue-based campaigns. The party’s leadership appears focused on uniting its supporters and presenting a cohesive message to the electorate. Whether these efforts will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but the party’s nationwide presence over the weekend has undoubtedly reinvigorated its support base and reaffirmed its relevance in Malawi’s political landscape.