By Burnett Munthali
The People’s Development Party (PDP), led by Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, is set to officially launch its campaign and manifesto tomorrow, Sunday, August 17, 2025.
The launch will begin with a morning session at the Golden Peacock Hotel.
This will be followed by the main rally at Nyambadwe Ground in Blantyre, scheduled to start from 2 PM.
The event is expected to present PDP’s development agenda to the public, highlighting the party’s key priorities for Malawi.
Central to the manifesto are pillars of food security, national unity, and the promotion of hard work across all sectors of society.
Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, as PDP’s presidential candidate, will take the lead in addressing party supporters and outlining the roadmap for his administration if elected.
He will be accompanied by his running mate, Bertha Ndebele, who is expected to emphasize the party’s vision for inclusive leadership and development.
The launch is anticipated to draw supporters from across the southern region and potentially from other parts of the country, signaling the PDP’s growing mobilization ahead of the elections.
Through this campaign launch, the PDP aims to position itself as a credible alternative capable of addressing Malawi’s pressing challenges, including hunger, unemployment, and economic stagnation.
The rally will also serve as a platform to rally party members, galvanize grassroots support, and clarify the party’s policy direction to the electorate.
Historical Context and Nankhumwa’s Political Track Record
Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa is a seasoned politician with extensive experience in government and party leadership.
He previously served as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and later as Minister of Health, during which he oversaw programs aimed at improving service delivery and community development.
Under his stewardship in these roles, Nankhumwa championed initiatives such as decentralization reforms, improved local governance, and projects targeting rural infrastructure and social welfare.
PDP itself has historically positioned itself as a party advocating for people-centered development, particularly focusing on agricultural support, local entrepreneurship, and national unity.
Nankhumwa’s leadership within the party has emphasized accountability, transparency, and mobilizing resources to improve livelihoods at the community level.
Past electoral campaigns led by Nankhumwa have stressed inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and targeted interventions in food security and local economic growth.
By launching the 2025 manifesto, he aims to continue this trajectory while responding to current economic challenges, including rising food prices, youth unemployment, and uneven development across regions.
Comparisons with the Current Administration
In contrast, the current administration has faced criticism over its handling of key issues such as food security, governance, and the economy.
Malawians have experienced persistent shortages of subsidized fertilizer and seeds, contributing to reduced agricultural productivity and rising food insecurity in rural areas.
Youth unemployment remains high, with limited opportunities for skills development and inadequate funding for technical and vocational education programs.
Economic pressures, including inflation, forex shortages, and increasing costs of basic commodities, have intensified hardship for households across the country.
Governance concerns, such as delays in service delivery, weak oversight of public projects, and limited transparency in resource allocation, have further undermined public confidence.
By contrast, PDP’s manifesto emphasizes targeted interventions in agriculture, youth empowerment, and local development, presenting a direct alternative to current challenges faced by ordinary Malawians.
Concluding Analysis
The official launch of PDP’s manifesto and campaign marks a critical milestone in the party’s drive to gain traction ahead of the September 16 elections.
By highlighting food security, national unity, and hard work, the PDP seeks to appeal to voters concerned with both the economy and social cohesion.
The historical context of Dr. Nankhumwa’s ministerial work and past party initiatives lends credibility to the campaign, suggesting that the PDP has both experience and a practical vision for governance.
Direct comparisons with the current administration’s record on food security, youth employment, and economic management make the PDP’s proposals more relevant and urgent for voters.
As the elections approach, the launch could set the tone for PDP’s narrative as a results-oriented alternative to the current political leadership.
Ultimately, success will depend not only on the manifesto’s appeal but also on the party’s ability to convince the electorate that past experience can translate into meaningful improvements in citizens’ lives.