By Suleman Chitera
Malawi’s 2025 presidential elections delivered a shock to many: President Lazarus Chakwera and his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) lost to former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM). For Chakwera, this defeat must be heartbreaking, especially after the overwhelming goodwill Malawians gave him in 2020. The turnaround has left many wondering how quickly tables can turn in Malawian politics.How President Lazarus Chakwera has failed on servant leadership
APM, once considered politically buried, emerged as the people’s favorite in 2025 — a development that highlights just how dynamic and results-oriented Malawian voters have become.
Achievements Under Chakwera’s Leadership
Despite the loss, Chakwera’s government leaves behind notable achievements:
Urban Transformation: Lilongwe has been given a new beautiful face, with modern road networks and improved infrastructure.
Trading Centre Upgrades: Initiatives to transform key trading centers like Lunzu and Kampepuza were widely praised.I Am Here to Rescue Our Country — Mutharika
Calm Leadership: Chakwera was a calm and collected leader who refrained from personal insults and attacks, a refreshing departure from toxic political culture.
Where Chakwera Fell Short
Unfortunately, Malawians judged Chakwera harshly on two critical fronts:
- The Economy – Under his leadership, the cost of living skyrocketed. Basic needs became unaffordable, and ordinary Malawians felt abandoned as tough economic decisions were delayed or ignored.
- The Chilima Tragedy – The passing of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) was not only tragic but also mishandled in ways that left deep scars. Many Malawians believe Chakwera and MCP did not show the empathy and decisiveness required in such a moment.
These two issues — the economy and the Chilima saga — were the strongest weapons for the opposition. In truth, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) didn’t need to campaign much; Malawians were already disillusioned.Concerned citizen calls Mumba to watch out
A Lesson for the Future
The message from the 2025 elections is clear: Malawians vote based on results and performance, not tribe or age. Chakwera must now use his time in opposition to reflect, reconcile, and rebuild trust:
Apologize to the Chilima family and UTM supporters sincerely, outside of a campaign period.
Acknowledge economic missteps and present a convincing plan to fix them.
Stay active in service to Malawians even in opposition, proving leadership is not confined to State House.
Redemption Is Still Possible
For MCP, the loss is not the end. If Chakwera and his party learn from their mistakes and show humility, Malawians may still welcome them back in 2029.
As painful as the loss may be, it could become the beginning of a stronger, wiser MCP — one that truly listens, cares, and delivers.
Final Word
President Chakwera’s fall is a reminder that power in Malawi belongs to the people, and performance matters most. If MCP embraces the lessons of 2025, the future may yet be bright.
