By Thupuwera Nkhondokonse
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika was notorious for its corrupt practices, which undermined the country’s economic development and perpetuated poverty among Malawians.
As the country prepares for the 2025 tripartite elections, it is essential to reflect on the DPP’s corrupt past and argue that the party must not be given another chance to rule.
One of the most significant corruption scandals under the DPP was the infamous “Cashgate” scandal,inherited from Joyce Banda’s government which involved the theft of millions of dollars from the government’s treasury.
The scandal led to the arrest and prosecution of several high-ranking government officials, including ministers and permanent secretaries.
However, despite the gravity of the scandal, the DPP’s leadership, including President Mutharika, was never held accountable.
Furthermore, the DPP’s corruption was not limited to the inherited Cashgate scandal.
The party’s leadership was also implicated in several other corruption scandals, including the maizegate scandal, which involved the irregular purchase of maize from Zambia.
The scandal led to the resignation of the then-Minister of Agriculture, George Chaponda, who was a close ally of President Mutharika.
In contrast, the current government under President Lazarus Chakwera has made significant strides in fighting corruption.
The government has established a special task force to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, and several high-ranking officials have been arrested and charged with corruption-related offenses.
Moreover, the Chakwera administration has also implemented several reforms aimed at preventing corruption and promoting transparency and accountability.
For example, the government has introduced a new public procurement law, which requires all government contracts to be awarded through a transparent and competitive bidding process.
In conclusion, the DPP’s corrupt past under Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is a warning that DPP must not be given another chance to rule Malawi for its dirty past in tolerating corruption.
As Malawians prepare to go to the polls in 2025, it is essential that they remember the DPP’s legacy of corruption and reject the party’s bid to return to power.
Instead, Malawians should support leaders who are committed to fighting corruption and promoting transparency and accountability.
The country deserves a government that is accountable to its citizens and prioritizes their needs and interests.
As one commentator noted, “the DPP’s corruption was not just a matter of individual wrongdoing, but a systemic problem that permeated every level of the party and government”.
It is therefore essential that Malawians reject the DPP’s bid to return to power and instead support leaders who are committed to fighting corruption and promoting good governance.
In the end, the choice is clear. Malawians must reject the DPP’s corrupt legacy and instead support leaders who are committed to fighting corruption and promoting transparency and accountability.
The country’s future depends on it.
