By Burnett Munthali
As Malawi gears up for the highly anticipated General Elections on September 16, 2025, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and its leader, President Lazarus Chakwera, are facing the reality of an impending electoral defeat. While MCP National Director of Research, Ronald Chanthunya, has publicly expressed confidence in the party’s victory, his claims appear to be more grounded in propaganda than in the actual political climate.
In a recent interview, Chanthunya boasted about what he described as the party’s “robust and comprehensive research methodologies.” He argued that these methods are the foundation of his optimism regarding MCP’s electoral prospects. However, this narrative seems detached from the ground realities in Malawi, where discontent with the MCP is growing. The party’s internal assessments, if they are as thorough as claimed, should have revealed the widespread dissatisfaction among Malawians who feel betrayed by Chakwera’s leadership.
The MCP’s inability to confront its political challenges suggests a leadership deeply out of touch with the electorate. Rather than accepting responsibility for its shortcomings, the party seems intent on creating a false sense of optimism, even within its own ranks. This denial has led to a culture of self-deception, where party leaders and supporters continue to proclaim victory while ignoring the obvious signs of impending defeat.
The popular Chichewa proverb, “Mwamuna salira,” is often invoked to imply that a strong man does not cry. However, the reality for the MCP is quite the opposite. The party’s leadership is metaphorically “crying in silence,” afraid to show vulnerability for fear of disappointing its dwindling base of supporters. This reluctance to acknowledge failure only serves to alienate the electorate further.
President Chakwera’s tenure has been marked by unfulfilled promises and scandals that have eroded public trust. Once celebrated for his pledge to fight corruption and deliver economic prosperity, Chakwera’s administration has instead presided over economic mismanagement, rising inflation, and widespread allegations of graft. These failures have left many Malawians disillusioned, with growing calls for change resonating across the country.
The MCP’s traditional strongholds are no longer guaranteed safe zones, as opposition parties have gained ground in areas previously considered untouchable. This shift in voter sentiment is a clear indication that the party’s influence is waning, and its claims of victory are increasingly hollow.
The MCP’s current trajectory suggests a significant electoral defeat is not only possible but inevitable. The party’s reliance on propaganda and its failure to address the genuine concerns of Malawians have set the stage for a “thudding fall.” As the elections approach, the cracks in the party’s foundation are becoming more visible, and its once-loyal supporters are now questioning their allegiance.
Rather than focusing on genuine engagement with the electorate, the MCP has doubled down on its rhetoric of self-assured victory. However, this strategy is unlikely to save the party from the judgment of a frustrated and disillusioned nation. Malawians are eager for leadership that prioritizes their needs, something the MCP has repeatedly failed to deliver.
The September 16 General Elections are shaping up to be a defining moment for Malawi’s political landscape. For the MCP, the stakes could not be higher. Despite Ronald Chanthunya’s optimistic assertions, the party appears to be heading toward a crushing defeat. Its leadership’s unwillingness to confront reality and its overreliance on propaganda have alienated voters who are ready for meaningful change.
As the nation prepares to head to the polls, the MCP must reckon with the consequences of its failures. A party that once held so much promise now finds itself at the brink of collapse, undone by its own hubris and inability to address the needs of the people it claims to serve.
About the author
Burnett Munthali is a seasoned political analyst with a keen interest in Malawian politics. His work focuses on exposing governance issues and fostering public discourse on critical national matters. Munthali writes for various publications, offering in-depth analyses of political, social, and economic challenges facing Malawi.
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