By Burnett Munthali
As we look forward to Malawi’s highly anticipated 2025 elections, Kenneth Bwanali’s comparison between Donald Trump’s re-election bid in the United States and Professor Peter Mutharika’s political journey in Malawi serves as an intriguing analogy. According to Bwanali, the political landscape of Malawi in 2025 is set to unfold like the fateful voyage of the Titanic: unexpected and laden with twists.
Lessons from Trump’s triumph
Trump’s political comeback defied expectations, a feat that Bwanali suggests should motivate Professor Mutharika. Despite many doubting his return to the White House, Trump’s resurgence sends a powerful message: in politics, unpredictability reigns supreme. Bwanali cautions Malawian politicians to remember that the real power lies with the voters—not with the elites or those strategizing for power. Just as the Titanic was unexpectedly lost despite its promise of being unsinkable, political success can be similarly elusive. Politicians may strive for victory, but ultimately, they are at the mercy of voters, who can reshape their fates with a single ballot.
Shifts in global and African politics
Bwanali draws from recent political shifts around the world to highlight this unpredictability. He points to the close call of South Africa’s ANC, the unexpected triumphs in Mozambique, and the recent win of the Labour Party in the UK under Keir Starmer. These examples are a reminder that political tides can turn swiftly, leaving even the most prepared leaders facing unexpected outcomes. Such is the nature of politics, where no party, however established or confident, can take victory for granted.
A look at Malawi’s rising political stars
Malawi’s own political arena is seeing a new wave of leaders emerge, particularly from the Northern Region. Bwanali lists figures such as Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba, Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, and Lugano Mwabutwa, a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn. Each has demonstrated a unique charisma and appeal, bringing fresh perspectives to the country’s political discourse. Then there’s Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, a London-trained economist with a reputation as one of Malawi’s best economic minds, and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who continues to draw large crowds, signaling his intention for a political comeback reminiscent of Trump’s.
Bwanali emphasizes the strength of these rising figures, noting that their presence is reshaping the political landscape. The Northern Region, long a quiet player in Malawi’s politics, is now rallying behind influential leaders who seem prepared to challenge the traditional order.
Preparing for a political “Titanic tragedy”
With this powerful analogy of a Titanic-like tragedy, Bwanali warns that Malawi’s political scene may face unprecedented turbulence in the lead-up to the 2025 elections. Political alliances may fracture, new coalitions may emerge, and unexpected candidates could rise to prominence. Like the tragic sinking of the Titanic, the journey to Election Day will be fraught with unexpected challenges, betrayals, and shifts that could change the course of the nation’s future.
The voter as the ultimate decider
One of Bwanali’s core messages is a reminder to politicians that voters hold the ultimate authority. Despite campaign tactics, slogans, and promises, it is the voter who determines a politician’s fate. Bwanali advises political parties and leaders to respect the electorate, for the voters will ultimately grade each leader, giving them the true “size” they deserve in the political arena.
The final question: Will it be blue?
As the article draws to a close, Bwanali challenges readers to look into the “crystal ball” of the 2025 elections. Will Malawi’s political future be painted blue, indicating a potential return of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Professor Mutharika to power? Or is this just a dream? The uncertainty looms large, but one thing is certain: Malawians should brace themselves for an election filled with surprises.
In conclusion, Bwanali’s analysis provides a stirring reminder of the unpredictable nature of politics. With figures like Mutharika and other rising stars shaking up the status quo, the 2025 election promises to be nothing short of a “political Titanic tragedy.” Whether blue or otherwise, Malawi’s political future is set to be shaped by voters who, with the power of their ballots, will steer the nation in a direction only they can determine.
