By Burnett Munthali
On Sunday, August 3, 2025, while some critics labeled it a missed opportunity, others saw the absence of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President Arthur Peter Mutharika at the party’s manifesto launch as a calculated and strategic political move.
Rather than attending the ceremony at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre, Mutharika chose to align himself directly with the people, joining thousands of supporters on a solidarity march from Kamuzu Upper Stadium to Njamba Freedom Park, where he later addressed a mass rally.
This deliberate choice underscored Mutharika’s long-held belief that leadership is best exercised by listening to the people at the grassroots, rather than confining key moments to elite spaces.
While his running mate, Dr. Jane Ansah, and AFORD leader Enoch Chihana officially launched the manifesto, Mutharika was demonstrating through action that his campaign is rooted in the spirit of public engagement and mass mobilization.
Far from suggesting weakness or detachment, his presence among the people reinforced the DPP’s message of a return to proven leadership—one that puts Malawians at the center of political decision-making.
In contrast to rumors circulating on social media about his health, Mutharika appeared calm, collected, and focused as he waved to crowds and addressed their concerns in real time, affirming his readiness for the September 16 polls.
The strategy also allowed other key figures in the alliance to take center stage during the formal launch, showcasing the strength, depth, and unity of the DPP-AFORD electoral partnership.
This broader leadership approach reflects a shift from personality-driven politics to collaborative vision-building, where no single individual overshadows the message of national restoration.
Those quick to interpret his absence at Mount Soche as a sign of fragility ignore the broader impact of Mutharika’s symbolic return to the people—where political energy is vibrant and trust is earned face-to-face.
As the campaign season unfolds, the DPP’s grassroots-first strategy may prove to be the defining factor in reconnecting with voters and rebuilding national confidence in leadership that serves, listens, and leads from the frontlines.
