By Sulemani Chitera
Malawians across different regions have openly criticized President Lazarus Chakwera, accusing him of leading with a style that fails to address their everyday struggles.
Speaking during the Kulinji program aired on Times Radio, people from Dowa, Lilongwe, Kasungu, Balaka, Zomba, Neno, and Mchinji expressed frustration, saying they voted for former President Peter Mutharika out of disappointment with the current administration.
Citizens Want Leaders Who Listen
According to callers who contributed to the program, Malawians elect leaders to serve the people, not to pursue their own personal or political interests. They emphasized that leadership should be about solving pressing challenges such as hunger, unemployment, and lack of basic social services.
Lessons From the Past
Participants further explained that although Mutharika’s administration had its own shortcomings, Malawians removed him from office in June 2020. However, they have now given him another chance, hoping that he has learned from past mistakes and will focus more on addressing the needs of the people.
Challenges Under the Previous Administration
During Chakwera’s tenure, Malawi has struggled with:
Fuel shortages and long queues at filling stations.
Sugar scarcity, which hit both rural and urban households.
Lack of foreign currency, negatively affecting trade and imports.
Medicine shortages in hospitals, putting lives at risk.
Agricultural challenges, despite being the backbone of Malawi’s economy.
The Call for Change
Malawians say they want a government that prioritizes their welfare and restores hope in key sectors like health, agriculture, and the economy. The return of Peter Mutharika to the political stage is seen by many as a second chance for him to correct his past mistakes and deliver on the promises of good governance and economic stability.
