By Burnett Munthali
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a highly performing and professional public service as part of its vision for Malawi 2063.
In its manifesto, the party highlights the importance of a peaceful, patriotic, and self-reliant population actively participating in nation-building.
The DPP emphasizes that effective service delivery depends on a capable and accountable public service that prioritizes the needs of citizens.
On the Legislature, the party pledges to ensure that Parliament holds the Executive accountable, performs its constitutional role diligently, and enacts laws that benefit all Malawians without discrimination.
On the Executive, the DPP promises to maintain a lean and inclusive Cabinet supported by a nonpartisan Civil Service committed to efficiency.
The party stresses that government actions must be free from arbitrariness and grounded in accountability and legality.
On the Judiciary, the DPP vows to safeguard its independence, protect individual liberties, and encourage judicial officers to uphold the rule of law with accountability.
The manifesto underscores that a well-functioning public service must be anchored in accessibility, accountability, participation, transparency, transformation, equality, justice, safety, and proximity to citizens.
The DPP also views efficient public service as a critical tool in combating corruption in both the public and private sectors.
It reiterates its commitment to ensuring that the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary perform their duties independently while fostering collaboration among state institutions.
The party acknowledges that past public service reforms have been limited and pledges to implement genuine reforms, including a comprehensive review of civil service remuneration.
Between 2025 and 2030, the DPP has outlined specific commitments to improve the civil service.
These include providing quality service delivery to make the civil service attractive and efficient.
The party also pledges to review the civil service structure and composition to reduce unnecessary expenditure and improve efficiency.
It plans to align civil servant salaries with the cost of living, taking into account inflation and currency devaluation.
The manifesto commits to promoting deserving civil servants whose career progression has been hindered.
It also promises to recruit trained teachers and medical personnel who have completed professional accreditation.
To promote efficiency and cost savings, the DPP will maintain a lean Cabinet.
The party also pledges to provide medical coverage for all active and retired civil servants.
It further promises to reduce waiting periods for gratuities.
The manifesto commits to placing qualified personnel in the right positions to enhance effectiveness.
It also outlines reforms in ministries, departments, and agencies to improve performance.
The DPP promises to promote efficiency through performance appraisals and transparent promotions.
It plans to renovate and construct new government offices to create a conducive working environment and reduce recurrent expenditure.
The manifesto also includes provisions for government scholarships to enhance civil servants’ skills.
Regular funding for ministries, departments, and agencies is promised to improve service delivery.
The party also pledges to support specialized training at the Malawi School of Government and Mpemba Staff Training Colleges.
The DPP manifesto closes with a direct appeal to voters ahead of the September 16, 2025 elections.
It urges Malawians not to be swayed by empty promises or divisive politics.
Instead, the party calls on citizens to choose leaders with a proven record of results, strong institutions, and improved livelihoods for the people.
The DPP insists that Malawi cannot afford another term of unfulfilled promises.
The manifesto urges voters to decisively back leaders who are competent, inclusive, and ready to move the nation forward.
The party is fielding former President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika as its presidential candidate, with Dr. Jane Ansah as his running mate.
For Lilongwe City Centre Constituency, the DPP has endorsed Peter Mukhito as its parliamentary candidate.
It has also called on voters to support DPP councilors as part of its broader push for progress, unity, and a brighter future for Malawi.
The DPP frames its campaign as a return to proven leadership.
