By Suleman Chitera
As Malawi changes governments today, it’s important to reflect on why President Lazarus Chakwera failed so miserably during his one term in office.
I first shared my thoughts on this matter on July 9, 2020, soon after Chakwera took over power. I wasn’t well-known then, so many people didn’t see my post. But those who have followed my political commentary over the years know that I have always spoken out on issues of national interest.Fredokiss says voters chose Mutharika out of frustration and hardship
I Was Never a Fan of Chakwera or MCP
Let me be clear — I was never a fan of Chakwera or the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). That’s why I didn’t vote for him in 2014 or 2019.
In 2020, I voted for him because Saulos Chilima convinced me to. May his soul continue resting in peace. I don’t regret that vote because, at that time, it was the most logical thing to do. Malawians wanted change — and they got it.
The Rise and Fall of Chakwera
Chakwera will go down in history as a one-term president — and arguably the worst president Malawi has ever had. Some might even say he ranks among the worst presidents Africa has seen.Pastors Voice Endorses Peter Mutharika for Malawi Presidency
Back in 2020, many believed Peter Mutharika (APM) would hold that title. But ironically, Chakwera’s poor leadership has saved APM’s legacy.
Of course, we can never say never in politics. Just as APM has made a comeback in 2025, Chakwera might also return — in five or even ten years — though it would take nothing short of a miracle.
Why Chakwera Failed
The main reason Chakwera failed is simple:
He did not choose the best people to work for him.
Immediately after assuming office, he appointed a bloated cabinet of 31 ministers — a cabinet characterized by nepotism, political appeasement, and incompetence.
The day he announced that cabinet, I knew he would fail. I wrote about it on July 9, 2020, and here’s what I said back then:
“A good leader doesn’t know everything. A good leader knows people who know something — and hires them.
When a country’s health system is efficient, it’s not because the President is a good doctor, but because he appointed a competent health expert.
A good leader surrounds himself with capable people.
Chakwera picked some of the worst individuals imaginable. That’s why he failed.”
This statement remains true today.
Lessons for Peter Mutharika’s New Government
As Peter Mutharika returns to power, there is one major lesson to learn from Chakwera’s downfall:
Competence matters more than loyalty.
If Mutharika can appoint qualified, capable, and ethical people in the right positions — Malawi can move forward. If he repeats Chakwera’s mistake of rewarding friends and loyalists instead of technocrats, the nation will stagnate again.
Final Thoughts
Today marks the end of the Chakwera era and the return of Mutharika.
Whether Malawi rises or falls in the coming years depends on the choices Mutharika makes now.
Exit Chakwera. Enter Mutharika. Salute!
