By Burnett Munthali
The quasi-religious institution, the Public Affairs Committee (PAC), is today scheduled to engage in a critical meeting with former president Peter Mutharika.
Mutharika, who now carries the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) torch as its presidential candidate, is poised to contest in the upcoming general elections slated for September 16, 2025.
This high-level meeting underscores PAC’s renewed role as a facilitator of dialogue and democratic engagement ahead of Malawi’s decisive national elections.
The engagement with Mutharika is part of PAC’s broader electoral interface strategy, through which it seeks to consult key presidential contenders on their governance agenda, democratic commitment, and national development vision.
The Public Affairs Committee, composed of faith-based institutions and civil society actors, has historically positioned itself as a moral voice in Malawi’s governance landscape.
Throughout Malawi’s democratic journey, PAC has emerged as an important player in brokering political stability, fostering national unity, and ensuring that leaders are held accountable by the public.
The scheduled meeting with the DPP presidential candidate comes at a time when the political environment in Malawi is charged with anticipation, following a series of public discontent over economic mismanagement, corruption, and rising unemployment.
For Peter Mutharika, the PAC audience offers an opportunity to clarify his vision for a second term, having previously led Malawi from 2014 to 2020 before the court-sanctioned fresh elections removed him from power.
Observers will be watching closely to see how Mutharika addresses lingering concerns about his past administration, including issues of alleged nepotism, governance gaps, and a weakened anti-corruption drive.
PAC’s engagement with Mutharika also signals an impartial approach to electoral inclusivity, as it is expected to meet other major presidential aspirants in the coming months.
As the 2025 electoral clock ticks, PAC’s efforts may serve as a moral compass in shaping a values-driven political campaign focused on service, responsibility, and respect for the Constitution.
This encounter could be pivotal not only in gauging Mutharika’s readiness to return to State House, but also in affirming PAC’s standing as a critical intermediary between politicians and the electorate.
The political stakes are high, and as citizens yearn for transformative leadership, PAC’s dialogue sessions may help the nation navigate the upcoming elections with informed choices and peaceful democratic transitions.
