By Burnett Munthali
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent accusations by Jessie Kabwila, spokesperson for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), concerning the nomination of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as the DPP’s presidential candidate for the 2025 General Elections. In a statement released on January 22, 2025, Shadric Namalomba, the DPP’s Publicity Secretary, dismissed Kabwila’s claims as unfounded and a deliberate attempt to divert public attention from the challenges plaguing Malawians under MCP rule.
The DPP categorically denied Kabwila’s allegations that Professor Mutharika’s nomination was coerced, insisting that his candidacy reflects both his unwavering commitment to serve Malawi and the widespread support he continues to receive nationwide. The party accused Kabwila of misrepresenting the democratic processes within the DPP, describing her statements as a calculated effort to undermine Mutharika’s integrity and the legitimacy of his leadership.
Shifting Focus to Malawi’s Leadership Crisis
While addressing Kabwila’s allegations, the DPP turned its attention to what it called the deteriorating state of governance under the MCP administration, led by President Lazarus Chakwera. The DPP’s statement painted a bleak picture of Malawi’s current socio-economic and political climate, highlighting five critical areas of concern:
1) The DPP drew attention to the ongoing food crisis, citing the severe shortages of staple foods across the country. The failure of ADMARC depots to provide essential supplies has left millions of Malawians struggling to meet their basic needs. The party accused the MCP government of neglecting its responsibility to ensure food security, calling the situation a betrayal of the trust placed in them by citizens.
2) Public hospitals, according to the DPP, are operating under dire conditions, with critical shortages of medicines and medical equipment. These deficiencies, the party argued, are placing countless lives at risk and denying Malawians their fundamental right to healthcare. Vulnerable communities, in particular, are being forced to endure preventable suffering due to the government’s failure to prioritize the health sector.
3) The DPP also pointed to the worsening economic situation, criticizing the MCP government for its inability to maintain sufficient foreign exchange reserves. This economic instability, the party noted, has undermined investor confidence and left the country’s financial future in jeopardy. The DPP accused the Chakwera administration of poor fiscal management, which has exacerbated the struggles of ordinary Malawians.
4) The DPP’s statement further alleged that the MCP government has systematically suppressed basic freedoms, including the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Reports of harassment targeting dissenting voices and the violent dispersal of peaceful protests were highlighted as evidence of the government’s disregard for democratic values. The party condemned these actions as a betrayal of the principles upon which Malawi’s democracy was founded.
5) The DPP accused MCP cadres of operating with impunity, often wielding weapons and undermining the Malawi Police Service’s ability to maintain law and order. This atmosphere of intimidation, the party argued, has eroded the civil liberties of citizens and contributed to a growing sense of insecurity and instability across the country.
In its statement, the DPP urged the MCP leadership to prioritize addressing these pressing issues rather than deflecting criticism with baseless accusations against the opposition. The party called on President Chakwera and his administration to take responsibility for the hardships facing Malawians and to commit to governance that restores dignity and hope to the nation.
The DPP went further to suggest that the actions of the MCP government warrant international scrutiny. It called for the alleged human rights violations and governance failures under President Chakwera’s leadership to be investigated by international criminal and human rights courts.
Concluding its response, the DPP reiterated its commitment to advocating for a better Malawi. The party promised to prioritize the rights and freedoms of all citizens, foster economic growth, and ensure an inclusive government that listens to and values the voices of the people.
As the 2025 General Elections approach, the DPP emphasized its readiness to offer a credible alternative to the current administration. With Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as its presidential candidate, the party aims to address Malawi’s socio-economic and political challenges, promising to lead the nation toward a future of stability, prosperity, and renewed hope.
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