An opinion By Suleman Chitera | Lilongwe, Malawi
Chiradzulu-based political commentator Suleman Chitera has stirred debate in Malawi’s political circles, urging former President Arthur Peter Mutharika and incumbent Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to refrain from crisscrossing the country campaigning and instead allow their records in office to speak for them.
Suleman Chitera
Chitera said in a statement that with the 2025 elections approaching, the campaign trail should be left to fresh aspirants like Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and Atupele Muluzi, who have never held presidential office and need to present their visions to Malawians.
“If you see Mutharika or Chakwera moving around the country campaigning, just know that they haven’t done much,” said Chitera. “Because if they had delivered meaningful change, they wouldn’t need to talk—their achievements would speak for them.”
He pointed to the skyrocketing cost of essential commodities as a silent but powerful form of campaign in favor of Mutharika.
“Fuel prices, cooking oil, sugar, and fertilizer have all drastically increased. These hardships are reminding people of the better days under Mutharika,” Chitera stated.
He highlighted the following drastic price hikes:
- Fuel: From K600 under Mutharika to K2,530
- Soya pieces: From K50 to K1,000
- Fertilizer: From K5,000 to K150,000
- Eggs: From K30 to K500
- Sugar: From K600 to K7,000
- Bread: From K400 to K4,000
- Cooking oil (per litre): From K2,000 to K15,000
“These commodities are now campaigning on Mutharika’s behalf. You don’t need a microphone when people are already comparing their lives under different administrations,” Chitera emphasized.
He argued that both Chakwera and Mutharika should stop trying to convince the public with words and instead let their time in office be their campaign message.
“Arthur Peter Mutharika, don’t panic. Let your work speak for itself. If you failed, then go out and explain. Otherwise, rest. The people know,” Chitera advised.
“Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, don’t panic. Let the works of your hands testify. You don’t need to go door to door explaining what you did five years ago.”
Chitera said it’s time for new aspirants like Kabambe and Muluzi to step up.
“It’s now time for Dr. Kabambe and Atupele Muluzi to travel across the country and explain their vision from September 16 onwards. They are the ones who must prove themselves to Malawians.”
As the 2025 elections draw closer, political observers expect heightened activity, but Chitera insists that credibility must come from results—not rhetoric.
