from MAVHUTO BANDA in Lilongwe, Malawi
Malawi Bureau
LILONGWE, (CAJ News) – AT 85, Arthur Peter Mutharika has staged a dramatic political comeback in Malawi, securing a second chance to lead the Southern African nation after a landslide victory that ousted incumbent Lazarus Chakwera.
With 56.8 percent of the vote (over 3 million ballots cast), Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) triumphed in a bruising contest that underscored Malawians’ growing disillusionment with leaders who fail to deliver on promises.
Chakwera managed just 33 percent, making him the latest casualty of the region’s shifting political winds.
Mutharika’s return is as ironic as it is symbolic. In 2020, he himself was ejected from office amid anger over corruption scandals, economic malaise, and widespread fuel and currency shortages.
His first administration (2014–2020) was rocked by allegations that he benefited from bribes linked to a police food supply contract, damaging both his credibility and the DPP’s standing.
Yet Chakwera, a former pastor who rose to power on an anti-corruption platform, fared little better. His government was soon engulfed in scandals, selective justice claims, and worsening economic turmoil.
Inflation surged, queues for fuel lengthened, and public trust collapsed.
“Chakwera promised to take us to Canaan but instead took us to Afghanistan,” said Sannie San, a resident of Blantyre, capturing the frustration of many.
Activists were blunter. Jerome Chisikwa dismissed the outgoing president as “a man with zero idea how to fix Malawi,” accusing him of self-enrichment and incompetence.
Mutharika now becomes Africa’s second-oldest leader after Cameroon’s Paul Biya (92), with Jane Ansah (69) elected as vice president. Analysts suggest his age underscores both continuity and vulnerability, but also a chance for redemption.
Political commentator Kondwani Mwale argues that Mutharika has “learnt how Malawians can humble you if you do not deliver,” noting the striking parallels between his 2020 defeat and Chakwera’s 2025 downfall.
In a rare display of statesmanship, Chakwera conceded defeat and urged calm among his supporters before official results were declared.
His peaceful acceptance has been hailed as a milestone for Malawi’s democracy, contrasting with the often-violent electoral disputes elsewhere in the region.
The comeback mirrors recent political patterns across Africa, where former leaders have staged returns after electoral setbacks.
Ghana’s John Dramani Mahama achieved a similar revival, while in Zambia, the Patriotic Front is eyeing a resurgence in 2026. PF Secretary General Raphael Nakachinda praised Mutharika’s “emphatic return,” framing it as a victory of “pro-poor policies over elitism.”
But the challenges awaiting Mutharika are stark. Malawi is grappling with structurally low growth, high inflation, unsustainable debt, and persistent foreign exchange shortages.
Agricultural underperformance and external shocks saw real GDP growth slip to 1.8 percent in 2024, down from 1.9 percent the year before.
As Malawians hand him the reins once more, expectations are sky-high. Whether Mutharika’s second coming will deliver redemption—or repeat past mistakes—remains to be seen.
— CAJ News