By Burnett Munthali
His Excellency, President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, on Wednesday embarked on a whistle-stop tour of northern Blantyre, drawing massive crowds eager to hear his message of hope and renewal. The tour began at Che Mussa, proceeded through Chirimba, Luwanda, Chikapa, Khama, and Makheta in Machinjiri township, before moving to Mvula in Bangwe. It is expected to conclude at Ndirande, one of Blantyre’s most populous areas.
The President received an overwhelmingly warm reception, particularly in Chikapa and Makheta, where locals greeted him with cheers, ululations, and chants. Many in the crowd referred to him as Malawi’s “Trump,” a title some supporters have embraced as a symbol of his bold leadership style and populist appeal.
Addressing the enthusiastic gatherings, Prof. Mutharika delivered a message aimed at inspiring hope amidst current economic challenges. He urged Malawians to utilize the extended voter registration period to prepare for the upcoming elections, calling it a critical opportunity to bring about change.
The President acknowledged the difficulties facing ordinary citizens under the current administration, including long fuel queues and the soaring prices of maize, cooking oil, and fertilizer. He assured the public that his government has a clear plan to stabilize the economy and alleviate these hardships, promising a brighter future for all Malawians under his leadership.
As Malawi heads to the polls in 2025, surveys indicate that Prof. Mutharika and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are well-positioned for a resounding victory. According to the Afrobarometer report released late last year, the DPP enjoys significant support, particularly among the youth aged 18 to 35, cementing its status as the preferred party for young voters.
The whistle-stop tour in Blantyre is part of a broader effort by Prof. Mutharika to connect directly with the electorate and reinvigorate support for his candidacy. With a clear message of hope and economic revival, the tour underscores his commitment to addressing the pressing needs of Malawians.
As the tour concludes in Ndirande, all eyes are on the former President as he seeks to solidify his base ahead of what is shaping up to be a pivotal election for Malawi.
