By Burnett Munthali
His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, the 5th President of the Republic of Malawi and leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), officially opened a training session for the party’s National Governing Council (NGC) members this morning at Lotus Hotel in Blantyre.
In his opening address, Mutharika congratulated all winners of the recent ‘August’ elective conference, describing the contests as both “gallant” and a “good fight” for the advancement of the party and the nation. He praised the resilience and determination shown by the participants, emphasizing the critical role of the newly elected leaders in steering the party towards success in the 2025 general elections.
Mutharika urged the leaders to fully embrace their responsibilities, stressing that their roles require sacrifice and commitment.
“It is not enough to just contest for positions; we must be ready to serve,” he said. He highlighted that holding office should be a means to drive meaningful change, not an end in itself.
Mutharika also underscored the importance of prioritizing the needs of Malawians over personal interests, asserting that the DPP’s leadership must remain focused on serving the nation.
Turning his attention to the current government, Mutharika delivered a scathing critique of President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration, accusing it of leading Malawi into economic and social decline.
He stated that public discontent with the Chakwera government is growing, noting a widespread desire for change in next year’s elections. According to Mutharika, the administration is resorting to dubious tactics, including politically motivated arrests and attempts to manipulate the electoral process, to maintain its grip on power.
He cited recent disruptions of peaceful demonstrations in Lilongwe as evidence, claiming government-aligned groups used intimidation to silence dissenting voices.
“The Chakwera administration has destroyed this country,” Mutharika declared, adding that the DPP remains undeterred in its mission to restore hope and prosperity to Malawi.
The training session, which brings together top leaders of the DPP, aims to equip them with the skills and strategies needed to mobilize grassroots support and present a unified front ahead of the 2025 elections.
As the political landscape intensifies, the DPP’s focus on preparation and unity is expected to play a crucial role in its efforts to challenge the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested election.
Mutharika’s address serves as both a rallying call to the DPP leadership and a reminder of the stakes at hand as Malawi heads into a critical period in its political history.
