By Burnett Munthali
Former President Joyce Banda has spoken out about the strengths and qualities that she shares with former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), signaling a call for unity and pragmatic leadership as Malawi approaches the September 16 elections.
Banda emphasized that the future of the country is now closer and clearer than ever before, stressing that Malawi needs leaders with a proven track record of delivering tangible results rather than empty political rhetoric.
She praised the periods of stability and development that both her administration and Mutharika’s government achieved, pointing to the importance of building on past successes rather than constantly starting over with untested strategies.
According to Banda, the call for a “Return to Proven Leadership” is not just about her legacy but about embracing leaders who understand Malawi’s socio-economic challenges and have demonstrated the capacity to provide effective solutions.
She underscored the need for unity among political actors and parties, highlighting that divisions and constant political bickering have cost the nation opportunities for growth and progress.
In her remarks, Banda stated that her experience as a leader gives her a unique perspective on Malawi’s current challenges, and she believes that collaboration with leaders like APM can help revive the economy and restore trust in governance.
The “#ReturnToProvenLeadership” campaign slogan, which has gained traction on social media, underscores her message that Malawi’s future lies in the hands of leaders who have already proven their commitment to service, stability, and development.
With the elections fast approaching, Banda’s call is seen as both a reflection on the past and a challenge to voters to carefully consider leadership qualities, past achievements, and the need for tested governance strategies in shaping Malawi’s future.
