By Suleman Chitera
With barely two months to the highly anticipated September 16 elections, political analysts and citizens across Malawi are rallying behind the alliance of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Transformation Movement (UTM), and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), branding it as the only hope to rescue the nation from the economic and governance crisis blamed on the Malawi Congress Party (MCP)-led administration.
Many Malawians believe that former President Peter Mutharika, seasoned politician Enoch Chihana, and renowned economist Dr. Dalitso Kabambe represent the leadership combination capable of restoring economic stability, creating jobs, and steering the country out of its current challenges.
“Across the country — from the northern tip of Chitipa to the southern districts — people are calling for a leadership shift. They believe Mutharika, Chihana, and Kabambe have the experience, vision, and economic expertise needed to rebuild Malawi,” said political commentator Andrew Mbewe.
The MCP administration, critics argue, has failed to fulfill its electoral promises. Basic commodities have become unaffordable for most households, with prices of essentials skyrocketing beyond reach.
“The MCP government has failed on almost every promise they made. From the Affordable Inputs Program scandals — including the infamous fertilizer procurement mess — to economic mismanagement, they’ve left Malawians worse off,” lamented community activist Miriam Banda.
Many voters say the next election presents a critical opportunity to elect leaders who put citizens’ welfare above personal gain.
“We need a government that will prioritize the plight of ordinary Malawians, not leaders obsessed with enriching themselves. We have lost five valuable years to poor governance. This alliance gives us a chance to recover what has been lost,” Banda added.
As campaign season heats up, the DPP-UTM-AFORD alliance is banking on this growing discontent to rally massive support, aiming for a landslide victory with an ambitious target of securing 78% of the vote.
Whether this alliance will translate public sentiment into electoral success remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Malawians are yearning for a leadership that delivers.
