By Burnett Munthali
As political tensions rise ahead of the 2025 general elections, the question of whether former President Arthur Peter Mutharika will contest has generated significant public debate.
The ambiguity surrounding Mutharika’s intentions has led to conflicting statements both within and outside the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), creating uncertainty among supporters and political observers alike.
In an effort to clarify the situation, DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba confirmed that Mutharika made a critical step in the nomination process by depositing MWK 10 million on Saturday, 16th September 2024.
This payment represents the first of several mandatory steps outlined by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for individuals intending to contest for the presidency.
Although the deposit was made on a Saturday, Namalomba noted that MEC offices were closed on that day, meaning the next step—the collection of nomination papers—could not be executed simultaneously.
According to MEC’s election calendar, aspiring candidates are expected to complete several phases: submitting the nomination fee, collecting nomination papers, undergoing pre-examination of documents, and finally, personally presenting the papers to the commission.
Namalomba explained that the remaining steps in Mutharika’s nomination process are expected to take place from Monday, 16th June to Sunday, 30th June 2025, the official period allocated by MEC for these procedures.
While some critics have questioned Mutharika’s silence and lack of public confirmation, Namalomba emphasized that the deposit is a clear and deliberate indicator of the former president’s political intentions.
He urged the public to exercise patience and avoid drawing premature conclusions based on misinformation or speculation.
This development marks a subtle yet significant signal that Mutharika may indeed return to the political frontlines in 2025, setting the stage for a potential rematch with current leaders or a clash with new political contenders.
As the race for Malawi’s presidency gradually gains momentum, Mutharika’s behind-the-scenes strategy appears to reflect a calculated approach—one that may catch both allies and opponents off guard once formally confirmed.
In the coming weeks, the spotlight will remain firmly on Mutharika, whose next steps—particularly the formal presentation of nomination papers—will determine whether his political comeback is a reality or a retreat.
