By Suleman Chitera | Investigative Desk
After five turbulent years under President Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), the country’s economic and governance systems lie in disarray. From collapsing public institutions to rising corruption scandals, a growing body of evidence and testimonies suggests that Malawi’s progress was derailed by systematic mismanagement and political arrogance.
Now, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, is positioning itself as the force to rebuild what was broken — promising a return to stability, discipline, and economic recovery.
The Chakwera Years: A Trail of Broken Promises
When Chakwera took office in 2020, Malawians were filled with hope. He promised to end corruption, stabilize the economy, and deliver prosperity for all. However, investigations reveal a starkly different reality.
Under his administration, Malawi’s debt ballooned to unprecedented levels. Public sector salaries became delayed, fuel shortages became routine, and the kwacha collapsed. Whistleblowers from within the civil service allege that senior MCP figures interfered in procurement deals, diverting funds meant for essential services.
One finance ministry insider told our reporters:
“Every major contract had a political hand. Ministries were told to prioritize those connected to the MCP elite — it was a system of reward and protection.”
Corruption Networks and Nepotism
Documents obtained by our investigative team show that several parastatal institutions were used as cash cows for political loyalists. Senior appointments were allegedly made based on political allegiance, not merit.
For example, the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) and ADMARC — both crucial to national food and fuel security — suffered massive operational failures under MCP control. This contributed to maize shortages and skyrocketing food prices that have left millions of Malawians struggling.
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) reports, though often suppressed or delayed, hint at widespread collusion among top government figures and business allies.
Voices of Discontent
Across the country, citizens express frustration. In Lilongwe, a civil servant lamented:
“We were told the Tonse Alliance would bring change. Instead, we got lies, hunger, and power cuts.”
In Blantyre, small business owners accuse the government of killing entrepreneurship through unpredictable taxes and forex scarcity. Farmers in Mchinji and Nsanje say they have been abandoned as fertilizer subsidies vanished into the hands of politically connected traders.
The DPP’s Return: A Promise to Rebuild
Against this backdrop, the DPP is gaining renewed strength. Insiders reveal that Professor Mutharika has been holding private consultations with economic experts, technocrats, and party veterans to design a comprehensive recovery plan.
A senior DPP strategist told this publication:
“We have learned from our past and we see how badly the country has been mismanaged under MCP. Our focus is on restoring confidence — in governance, in business, and in Malawi’s future.”
The DPP leadership believes its legacy in infrastructure development, economic growth, and fiscal discipline sets it apart. Under Mutharika’s administration (2014–2020), Malawi achieved relative macroeconomic stability and steady growth — conditions that many say vanished under Chakwera’s watch.
Public Sentiment Shifts
Recent political rallies and grassroots mobilization show a visible shift. In southern and eastern Malawi, DPP’s messages of rebuilding and reform are resonating strongly. Even in traditionally MCP-leaning districts, frustration over economic decline is eroding Chakwera’s support.
Political analyst Brighton Kachale observes:
“Mutharika’s return symbolizes more than nostalgia. It’s a reflection of the public’s desire for order and competence after years of chaos.”
Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads
As Malawi prepares for the next election, the narrative is clear: Chakwera’s leadership has left the country weakened, disillusioned, and desperate for revival. The DPP under Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is presenting itself as the answer — ready to rebuild what MCP’s failures have destroyed.
