By Suleman Chitera

Lilongwe, Malawi — Immediate former President Arthur Peter Mutharika has described his decision to contest in the 2025 general elections as more than just a political move, calling it a “sacred call to restore hope, dignity, and purposeful leadership” in Malawi.

The 84-year-old Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader is set to formally submit his presidential nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Friday in Lilongwe. This will mark Mutharika’s bid to reclaim the presidency five years after the Constitutional Court annulled his 2019 re-election over widespread electoral irregularities.

Writing on his official Facebook page, Mutharika said his return to frontline politics is driven not by personal ambition but by duty.

“The challenges we face demand experience, vision, and resolute action. Guided by faith, patriotism, and the trust you have placed in me over the years, I step forward once more—not for power, but for service,” he stated.

The former president expressed confidence that under his leadership, Malawi could once again become a nation “that works for all,” emphasizing the need for unity and inclusive progress.

Mutharika also extended an open invitation to all Malawians—regardless of political affiliation—to rally behind his candidacy, positioning himself as a figure of national renewal.

“Let us rebuild a nation where unity overcomes division, and progress replaces stagnation,” he said.

Mutharika’s campaign is expected to heavily emphasize experience and stability, amid economic hardship, governance concerns, and growing calls for leadership change across the country. His return sets the stage for what is likely to be a fiercely contested election in September 2025.