By Bashir Amin
Lilongwe — The political atmosphere in Malawi is steadily reaching boiling point, and this weekend, Sunday to be specific, all roads will snake their way to Mgona Ground in the capital city, where Alliance For Democracy (AFORD) president, Enock Chihana, is set to break his long silence with a high-stakes political rally that promises fireworks.
After months away from the public glare, Chihana is returning to the podium with renewed vigor, fresh ideas, and a bold vision for a nation desperate for decisive leadership. With the 2025 General Elections firmly set for 16th September, the Mgona rally is tipped to be a political game-changer and a possible ignition point for AFORD’s national resurgence.
A charismatic and energetic political figure, Enock Chihana has tirelessly worked to reposition AFORD from its perceived regional cocoon into a national force to reckon with. The party, birthed on labour principles and democratic ideals in the early ‘90s, remains one of Malawi’s most iconic yet underutilized political brands. Chihana — fondly dubbed ‘Mwana wa Simbi Yamoto’ (Son of the Iron Man, the late democracy champion Chakufwa Chihana) — carries the torch of his father’s unfulfilled dream with unwavering resolve.
In a landscape littered with recycled rhetoric and tired faces, Chihana emerges as Malawi’s untapped, untested alternative. While other political heavyweights trade insults and peddle mud, he’s been meticulously stitching his party back together, rebranding its identity and rallying grassroots support from Karonga to Nsanje.
At the heart of his campaign lies a four-point blueprint: Fertilizer, Food, Forex, and Fuel. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense strategy aimed at breaking Malawi’s chronic cycle of hunger, economic paralysis, and fuel shortages. Chihana believes that by empowering farmers with affordable fertilizer, the country can secure national food sufficiency, create a surplus for export, and, in turn, stabilize foreign reserves critical for importing fuel and other essentials.
“Malawians are tired of empty promises and endless queues at dry fuel pumps,” he remarked recently at a party caucus. “It’s time to rethink leadership and give a fresh, untainted voice a chance.”
True to AFORD’s federalism agenda, Chihana is expected to reinforce his call for a federal system of government, arguing it’s the only viable route towards equitable distribution of the national cake and meaningful development for all regions.
As speculation swirls over possible alliances and political bedfellows ahead of the official campaign period opening on 14th July 2025, the Mgona rally is expected to lift the veil on Chihana’s political direction. Will he fly solo or partner with other like-minded forces? The answer may just thunder from the Mgona stage.
In a country where politicians often treat the electorate to recycled manifestos and sugarcoated platitudes, Chihana’s clarity and passion offer a breath of fresh air. Could this be Malawi’s political turning point? Could Chihana be the long-awaited antidote to years of missed opportunities and broken systems?
As the famed political lyrical maestro Joseph Nkasa once sang, “Nthawi yakwana ya AFORD” (It’s AFORD’s time), Mgona is poised to erupt in a sea of blue, as party faithful and curious citizens alike flock to witness what could be a defining moment in Malawi’s democratic journey.
One thing’s for certain — Lilongwe will shake this weekend.
Be there. History is calling.
