By Burnett Munthali
In any nation, the relationship between citizens and their leaders is foundational to governance and societal progress. In Malawi, as in many countries, there is a natural tendency for people to develop emotional attachments to political leaders. This can stem from admiration, respect, or even political allegiance. However, the focus on the personal attributes of leaders can sometimes obscure the most important aspect of governance: the policies that drive societal change. A strong case can be made for the argument that Malawians should not love their leaders per se, but instead, they should love the policies that have the potential to transform their nation. This approach will lead to a more pragmatic, accountable, and progressive Malawi.
When citizens focus more on their leaders than on the policies they implement, a culture of hero worship can develop. While respect for leadership is essential, excessive admiration for individuals can lead to the dangerous phenomenon of unquestioning loyalty. This can make the electorate susceptible to manipulation, where leaders’ flaws are ignored, and the substance of their policies is overlooked.
In Malawi, this situation is not rare. Voters may rally behind a particular leader simply because of personal charisma or historical factors, without critically evaluating the policies they advocate. For instance, a leader may have a strong personal following, yet their policies might fail to address the economic crises, unemployment, or public service challenges that affect Malawians on a daily basis. Blind loyalty can lead to the continuation of ineffective leadership, where leaders remain in power without any real pressure to deliver tangible improvements for the people.
Focusing on policies over personalities encourages a more results-oriented and pragmatic approach to governance. Citizens who love policies are driven by a desire for tangible changes in their lives, such as improved healthcare, education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities. If policies are the center of political engagement, citizens are more likely to hold their leaders accountable based on measurable outcomes rather than emotional connections or partisan loyalty.
In the case of Malawi, this is particularly relevant. The country has faced numerous challenges in terms of economic instability, poverty, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Instead of focusing on whether a leader is charismatic or beloved by the public, Malawians must look at the policies they advocate. Are they addressing the core issues affecting the people? Are they ensuring that economic growth translates into job creation, better public services, and reduced poverty? Are they implementing strategies that empower the youth, combat corruption, and improve the quality of life for all Malawians?
Loving policies also leads to a more accountable leadership. A policy-focused citizenry can easily discern whether leaders are living up to their promises. For example, if a political leader advocates for agricultural reforms, the question should not be whether the leader is likable or eloquent but whether the proposed reforms have led to increased productivity, better market access for farmers, and food security for the nation. If they have not, the people have the responsibility to demand change.
In a democracy, the people must remember that their vote is not just an endorsement of a leader’s personality; it is an endorsement of their vision and commitment to enacting policies that serve the public good. This makes the policy the main currency of political engagement. A leader may leave office, but the policies they put in place should have lasting impacts on the nation. When the focus shifts to policies, it is easier for citizens to evaluate whether those policies meet the nation’s needs, even if the leader implementing them is no longer in power.
Loving policies that are grounded in the real needs of the population is the key to long-term national transformation. Policies that prioritize economic growth, social welfare, education, and healthcare can lead to sustainable improvements in the lives of the citizens. For instance, a robust policy on education can ensure that future generations are better equipped to contribute to the economy, reducing unemployment and poverty in the long run. Similarly, good healthcare policies can enhance the health and productivity of the population, resulting in fewer diseases and a longer, healthier life expectancy for all.
Moreover, policies that address corruption and promote transparency will instill a sense of fairness and justice in society, which is essential for national progress. Malawians must come to appreciate that transformation is not the result of the personality of a single leader but the product of carefully designed and consistently implemented policies that reflect the aspirations of the people.
For citizens to develop a genuine love for policies, they must be engaged in the policy-making process. It is not enough to simply react to policies once they are enacted; citizens must have a voice in shaping those policies. This is particularly true for issues that directly affect them, such as education, healthcare, and employment. In Malawi, the government must prioritize civic engagement, ensuring that policy development is inclusive, transparent, and reflects the collective needs and aspirations of all Malawians. This helps ensure that policies are not only well-received but also practical and grounded in reality.
In conclusion, the citizens of Malawi should shift their focus from loving their leaders to loving the policies that have the power to uplift the nation. Leaders come and go, but the policies they put in place can have a lasting impact on the nation’s future. By focusing on policies, Malawians can make informed decisions, hold their leaders accountable, and ensure that the country moves toward sustainable growth, prosperity, and justice for all its citizens. Rather than tying their fate to an individual’s charisma or popularity, the people of Malawi must become active participants in shaping and demanding the policies that will transform their country. It is only by loving and championing the right policies that Malawians can achieve the future they deserve.