By Burnett Munthali
Should President Lazarus Chakwera secure a second term in the 2025 elections, Malawi could find itself navigating a politically tense and economically uncertain chapter.
A renewed mandate might signal public desire for continuity, but it will also reignite debates over the Tonse Alliance’s performance since 2020. Many voters and observers will be asking: has Chakwera truly lived up to his promises of transformation and reform?
His first term has been marred by growing public debt, sluggish economic growth, and a spike in the cost of living. Despite campaigning on a platform of change, Chakwera’s administration has faced accusations of perpetuating the very issues it vowed to eliminate — including corruption, nepotism, and wasteful spending.
Without meaningful policy shifts or stronger systems for leadership accountability, a second term could further entrench these weaknesses.
Malawi’s civil service, already weakened by late salary payments and poor funding, may endure even more strain if fiscal pressures persist. The economy, plagued by rising inflation, youth unemployment, and a shortage of forex, could worsen without bold new strategies.
A Chakwera re-election might also embolden moves to centralize power, potentially stifling dissent from civil society and the opposition. Democratic institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the judiciary, and Parliament may risk deeper politicization if oversight and independence are not protected.
On the international stage, little may change unless domestic challenges are addressed and visible progress is made in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and public services.
For young Malawians and struggling families, a second term could feel like a prolonged season of unmet expectations—unless real action is taken to reverse course and prioritize meaningful reforms.
The President’s promise to “clear the rubble” will continue to be scrutinized. Without transparent and courageous leadership, that vision risks becoming an empty slogan.
Additionally, cracks within the Tonse Alliance could widen, especially if coalition members feel marginalized by growing dominance of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
In the end, a Chakwera victory in 2025 holds the potential to either deliver long-overdue change or deepen national frustration. The choice is his to make—but the consequences will be felt by all Malawians.
