By Burnett Munthali
Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is a distinguished Malawian academic, lawyer, and seasoned politician who has played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
Born on July 18, 1940, in Thyolo District, he is the younger brother of Malawi’s former President, the late Bingu wa Mutharika.
He studied law at the University of London and later obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) and Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D) from Yale University in the United States.
For decades, Mutharika worked as an international law professor, teaching at several prestigious universities in the United States, including Washington University in St. Louis.
He specialized in international economic law, international law, and comparative constitutional law, gaining global respect as a scholar.
Before entering politics, he also served as an advisor to several international institutions and was involved in legal reforms in countries transitioning to democracy.
Mutharika entered active Malawian politics in the early 2000s and served in various ministerial positions under his brother’s administration, including as Minister of Justice, Education, and Foreign Affairs.
Following the death of Bingu wa Mutharika in 2012, Arthur Peter Mutharika took the reins of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and became its presidential candidate.
In May 2014, he was elected as Malawi’s fifth President, defeating incumbent Joyce Banda in a closely contested election.
During his first term, Mutharika focused on infrastructure development, economic stabilization, and public sector reforms.
He also faced criticism over corruption allegations, governance concerns, and civil society protests, particularly toward the end of his presidency.
In the 2019 elections, Mutharika was controversially re-elected, but the Constitutional Court later nullified the results, citing widespread irregularities.
The landmark 2020 Fresh Presidential Election saw Mutharika lose to the Tonse Alliance candidate, Lazarus Chakwera.
Since then, Mutharika has remained an influential opposition figure and continues to command strong loyalty within the DPP.
He has consistently criticized the current administration for economic mismanagement, inflation, and alleged nepotism.
As of July 2025, Mutharika has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency once again, hoping to reclaim power in the upcoming September election.
He has named Dr. Jane Ansah, a former Attorney General and Supreme Court judge, as his running mate—a move that has sparked intense national debate.
With his blend of legal expertise, international experience, and political resilience, Mutharika continues to be a dominant force in Malawi’s evolving democracy.
Whether the electorate will grant him a second chance at the presidency remains a central question in this year’s electoral contest.
