By Burnett Munthali
The Catholic Church in Malawi has once again demonstrated its commitment to social justice and good governance by issuing a powerful pastoral letter ahead of the upcoming elections.
Page 7 of this letter, deeply rooted in the Church’s mission for truth, justice, and peace, urges Malawians to critically evaluate political candidates beyond party, tribal, and regional affiliations.
It calls for a shift from blind loyalty to rational decision-making, encouraging voters to prioritize candidates who possess the vision, integrity, and competence to lead Malawi towards meaningful development.
Scrutinizing candidates beyond tribal and regional bias
The Catholic bishops challenge Malawians to go beyond ethnic and regional politics, which have historically influenced voting patterns in the country.
This appeal is significant because Malawi’s political landscape has often been shaped by regional divisions, where voters support candidates based on tribal identity rather than merit.
Such a voting culture has contributed to the election of incompetent leaders, who, rather than serving national interests, focus on rewarding their own ethnic groups and political allies.
The Church’s call to scrutinize all candidates is therefore a direct challenge to this outdated system, emphasizing the need for leaders who can unite the country regardless of regional or tribal background.
If Malawi is to progress, voters must look at the policies, leadership track record, and commitment to democratic values rather than personal or regional connections.
Evaluating leadership in the past five years
The pastoral letter prompts Malawians to reflect on the kind of leaders they have had over the past five years.
It raises the fundamental question of whether these leaders have been honest, transparent, and dedicated to real development that benefits all citizens.
This is an important reflection, as it allows voters to assess whether their elected leaders have fulfilled their campaign promises or merely engaged in rhetoric and political maneuvering.
The past five years have been marked by economic struggles, rising corruption cases, political instability, and failure to deliver on key governance reforms.
Despite promises of transformation, many Malawians continue to experience high levels of poverty, unemployment, and poor public services.
The pastoral letter, therefore, acts as a wake-up call for voters to reject leaders who have failed in governance and seek out new ones who can drive meaningful change.
The transfiguration and leadership: Who will serve Malawians wholeheartedly?
In linking the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ to Malawi’s political situation, the bishops provide a powerful metaphor for leadership that embraces sacrifice and service.
The Transfiguration, which signifies Jesus’ journey through suffering, death, and resurrection, is a reminder that true leadership requires endurance, humility, and dedication to the well-being of all people.
The Church, therefore, asks Malawians to identify candidates who are willing to serve selflessly, even when faced with difficulties and political pressure.
This is a direct challenge to politicians who see leadership as an opportunity for personal enrichment, rather than a call to serve the needs of ordinary Malawians.
Over the years, Malawi has seen a trend where leaders prioritize personal wealth, nepotism, and political survival, while ignoring the suffering of the people.
As the elections approach, voters must demand leaders who are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, rather than those who seek power for personal gain.
The call for truth, justice, and peace
The Catholic bishops end their message with a strong appeal for truth, justice, and peace, three pillars that are essential for a functioning democracy.
Truth is critical because Malawi has been plagued by false promises, propaganda, and misinformation from politicians who manipulate the electorate for their own benefit.
Justice is necessary because many Malawians have suffered under a system that protects the powerful while neglecting the marginalized.
Corruption, abuse of power, and selective application of the law have weakened institutions and eroded public trust in governance.
Peace, on the other hand, can only be achieved if Malawi has leaders who are honest, accountable, and committed to uniting the nation, rather than those who incite violence and division for political advantage.
The Church’s call for truth, justice, and peace is, therefore, an appeal for a new political culture, one where governance is centered on morality, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
Conclusion: A call to action for Malawians
The Catholic pastoral letter is not just a critique of Malawi’s current political environment—it is a call to action for both voters and political leaders.
For voters, it is a reminder of their responsibility to elect leaders who have the capacity and commitment to transform Malawi.
For politicians, it is a challenge to embrace servant leadership and reject the culture of corruption, greed, and dishonesty.
As Malawi heads towards the elections, the message from the Catholic Church is clear: Malawians must vote wisely and hold their leaders accountable for the future of their country.
