Malawi Freedom Network 
Malawi freedom Network
15 September 2026
Political activist and social commentator Suleman Chitera has launched a scathing attack on the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), urging Malawians to critically question the party’s political messages and leadership record instead of accepting its explanations for the country’s current economic difficulties.
Chitera argues that Malawians have every reason to be sceptical of statements coming from the MCP, particularly when discussing the economic challenges facing the country.
According to Chitera, the economic hardship being experienced by ordinary Malawians cannot simply be separated from the policies, decisions and governance record of the previous administration led by former President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and the MCP.
He says the cost of living, economic pressure and difficulties faced by households should force Malawians to examine what happened during the MCP-led administration rather than allowing political rhetoric to distract the public from the party’s record in government.
“Malawians must open their eyes and critically examine every message coming from MCP. The same political establishment cannot distance itself from problems that developed during its time in government,” Chitera said.
‘Malawians Must Remember the Past’
Chitera says political parties must be judged not only by what they promise while in opposition, but also by what they delivered when entrusted with national power.
He argues that the MCP’s previous tenure in government left many Malawians struggling with rising economic pressures, and that the party should therefore be prepared to answer difficult questions about its record.
The activist says Malawians should not allow political messaging to rewrite history.
He maintains that citizens have a responsibility to remember the conditions they experienced, assess the decisions that were made and determine whether the same political leadership deserves renewed public confidence.
Chitera further argues that the economic crisis should not be reduced to political slogans, saying the debate must focus on accountability, policy choices, economic management and the consequences of decisions made by those entrusted with running the country.
A Warning Against Political Amnesia
Chitera has also warned against what he describes as political amnesia, saying Malawians should not forget the economic realities they experienced under the previous administration simply because political actors have changed their messaging.
He says the public should demand evidence, explanations and accountability from political leaders instead of accepting political narratives at face value.
“The people of Malawi have suffered enough. They deserve leaders who acknowledge mistakes, explain their decisions and take responsibility for the consequences,” Chitera said.
His comments come amid continuing political debate over Malawi’s economic direction, with political parties increasingly seeking to convince Malawians that they have the solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
Chitera insists that the MCP, in particular, must first confront its own record before attempting to position itself as the answer to problems that he says were worsened during its time in power.
‘The People Must Decide’
Despite his strong criticism of MCP, Chitera says the ultimate decision belongs to Malawian voters.
He is calling on citizens to scrutinise political parties, compare their records and judge leaders on performance rather than speeches.
For Chitera, the central question is not which political party can make the loudest promises, but which leadership can demonstrate a credible record of protecting the economy, improving living standards and delivering meaningful development.
He says Malawians must therefore remain politically alert and refuse to be easily persuaded by what he describes as attempts to shift responsibility for the country’s economic difficulties.
As political competition intensifies, Chitera’s remarks add another forceful voice to the growing national debate over who should be held responsible for Malawi’s economic struggles and which political leadership can credibly steer the country toward recovery.
For him, the lesson is straightforward: Malawians should remember the past, scrutinise the present and demand accountability before trusting political promises about the future.
Read also: A Cry for Justice: The Urgent Need to Restore Democracy in Our Beloved Nation
Read also: A message to the youth of Malawi From Allan Ngumuya
Read also: Chakwera Appoints New Central Bank Chief Amid Economic Uncertainty
