By Rick Dzida
It is an open secret that Dalitso Kabambe’s political rallies are gathering an increasingly number of people at the passing of each day.
Furthermore, Kabambe’s eloquent articulation on how he plans to uplift Malawi from the current economic mess is outstandingly convincing. This gives hope to the desperate Malawians.
On the other hand, Atupele Muluzi’s exclusive Interview on Tiuzeni Zoona Zodiak Broadcasting Station left Malawians with no choice other than concluding that there is a potential leadership in him.
Atupele Muluzi, without fear or favour, faulted the Chakwera government for failing to manage the country’s economy. He decried over rampant corruption, shortage of forex, high employment rate and skyrocketing of prices of basic goods and services.
With the foregoing background, can Dalitso Kabambe or Atupele Muluzi make it to the State House in September this year.
In a nutshell, this write-up endeavours to outline their strengths and weaknesses as presidential aspirants for the 2025 elections.
Atupele Muluzi’s strengths
Political Legacy
As the son of former President Bakili Muluzi, Atupele has a strong political lineage, which may attract voters who are loyal to his family’s legacy.
Experience
Atupele has held various political positions, including Minister of Health, which gives him experience in governance and public administration.
Youth Appeal
Being relatively young as 46, Atupele may resonate with youthful voters looking for fresh leadership and new ideas.
Moderate Stance
Atupele is often seen as a moderate politician with no record of corruption which may appeal to a broad spectrum of the electorate, including those disillusioned with extreme recycled politicians.
Networking and Alliances
His background and connections may help him build coalitions and alliances with other political entities. For instance, Atupele cordially worked well in both Joyce Banda and Peter Mutharika’s government.
Atupele Muluzi’s Weaknesses
Perception of Dynastic Politics
Some voters may view him as a representative of dynastic politics, which could alienate those seeking change from established political families. For instance, some voters still think that Atupele is being influenced by his father, Bakili Muluzi.
Limited National Recognition
Despite his background, he may not have the same level of national recognition or support as other candidates, particularly in rural areas, central and northern region.
With a stronghold in the Eastern region, the United Democratic Front lost its popularity to the main opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Past Performance Criticism
His tenure as a minister may be scrutinized, and any perceived failures could be used against him in the campaign. For instance, some voters are of the view that there were no tangible achievements recorded by Atupele when he was the minister of health or lands.
Voter Fatigue
There may be a sense of fatigue among voters regarding familiar political figures, which could hinder his appeal. It appears that some voters are looking forward to new political blood.
Dalitso Kabambe’s strengths
Professional Background
Kabambe has a strong background in economics and finance, having served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, which may appeal to voters concerned about economic meltdown in Malawi.
Technical Expertise
His expertise in economic management could position him as a candidate capable of addressing Malawi’s economic challenges effectively. Dalitso Kabambe was once the Budget Director in the Treasury department before ascending to the position of Principal Secretary.
Fresh Perspective
As a relatively new figure in the political arena, he may be seen as a candidate who can bring innovative ideas and solutions to governance.
Some voters feel that they have tried Peter Mutharika and Lazarus Chakwera but our economy still leaves a lot to desired. They thinks that it may be sound to give a chance to the new blood for new ideas.
Non-Political Background
His non-traditional political background may attract voters looking for a candidate who is not entrenched in the existing political system.
Dalitso Kabambe’s Weaknesses
Lack of Political Experience
His limited experience in direct political roles may raise concerns about his ability to navigate the complexities of Malawian politics.
Voter Recognition
Kabambe may not have the same level of name recognition as more established politicians such as Peter Mutharika and Lazarus Chakwera, which may compromise his campaign efforts.
Perception of Elitism
His background in finance and economics may lead some voters to perceive him as disconnected from the everyday struggles of ordinary Malawians. Of course, Kabambe is among the elite who amassed a lot of wealth during his professional career including Reserve Bank Governor.
Building a Support Base
He may face challenges in building a strong grassroots support base, especially in rural areas where traditional political affiliations are strong.
Corruption and dishonest tendencies
The court has not yet cleared Kabambe on the allegations that he falsified figures in a report that was presented to the international monetary fund (IMF) when he was the Malawi Reserve Bank Governor.
Conclusion
Both Atupele Muluzi and Dalitso Kabambe have unique strengths and weaknesses that will play a significant role in their campaigns for the 2025 presidential elections in Malawi.
Atupele’s political legacy and experience contrast with Kabambe’s technical expertise and fresh perspective.
The effectiveness of their campaigns will depend on how well they can leverage their strengths while addressing their weaknesses in the eyes of the electorate.
