Reported by Suleman Chitera
As Malawi approaches the pivotal September 16 general elections, a growing chorus of voices from across the country is calling for an alliance many believe will deliver a decisive win — a coalition of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the United Transformation Movement (UTM), and the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD).
From the northern hills to the southern plains, Malawians are openly championing a political formula they believe guarantees a 50+1 victory: DPP leading with the presidential candidate, UTM taking the running mate slot, and AFORD filling the second vice president position. To many, this alliance is not just a political arrangement — it is the country’s only hope for real change.
Supporters argue that Malawi needs the return of former President Peter Mutharika to fix an economy they say has been shattered by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) under Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership. They accuse the MCP government of fueling economic hardship, overseeing rampant corruption, and allowing lawlessness to flourish, including the emergence of panga-wielding thugs allegedly connected to MCP operatives.
“What we are seeing now is not the Malawi we knew — it has become a land of fear and misery,” lamented one citizen. “MCP and Chakwera have failed this nation, and it’s clear God is not on their side.”
The demand for a DPP-UTM-AFORD alliance is swelling, with many seeing it as Malawi’s best hope for restoring peace, reviving the economy, and reuniting a deeply divided nation.
In this climate, other political parties entering the race are being dismissed by some voters as mere “briefcase parties” — small, opportunistic groups allegedly backed by MCP in a desperate bid to split the opposition vote. But according to many Malawians, such tactics will backfire.
“Malawians know exactly what they want this time,” another voter said. “They want Chakwera out of State House. Any politician linked to MCP is automatically an enemy of the people.”
With the clock ticking toward September 16, the message from the electorate is clear: This is no longer about political games — it’s about rescuing Malawi’s future with leadership that is wise, proven, and people-centered.
