Today, all roads lead to Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre where President-elect Peter Mutharika is set to be sworn-in for a second term, nearly a decade after first holding the presidency.
The event will be attended by former presidents, vice-presidents, regional leaders, diplomats, development partners, political figures, and thousands of Malawians, marking the peaceful transition of power from outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera, who took office in 2020 after defeating Mutharika.
But as Mutharika ascends to presidency again, he faces the monumental task of addressing corruption, inclusive governance, nepotism, food security, unemployment, national unity, reconciliation, and economic reforms in his inaugural speech.
Analysts and various other stakeholders are also keen to see whether his address will reassure citizens of his administration’s commitment to fulfil his political party’s campaign promises and indeed signal a new chapter in Malawi’s democratic journey.
University of Malawi political scientist Tiyesere Chikapa said Mutharika must reassure Malawians that they made the right choice and that his administration will operate differently.
However, she noted that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had overpromised during the campaign, and the public will be watching closely for early delivery on key commitments.
“Since he has been presented as Malawians’ choice amidst limited choices, there is need to prove Malawians wrong and assure them that he will deliver on the campaign promises,” Chikapa said adding that Mutharika’s swearing-in reflects Malawi’s democratic progress.
“We have a government that was freely and fairly elected in 2020, defeated in 2025, and accepted the outcome. This peaceful transition is a milestone in Malawi’s democratic trajectory and a sign of political stability. Malawi has been able to hold free, though not always perfectly fair, elections since 1994. This is a good sign for democratic consolidation,” said Chikapa.
Human rights and governance expert Undule Mwakasungula said Malawians expect Mutharika to avoid the mistakes of his previous term, during which his administration was accused of favouring certain regions in appointments and opportunities.
“The President must show that he is a leader for all Malawians, across regions and party lines, if he is to build unity and trust,” Mwakasungula said. On corruption, he said citizens want Mutharika to “fight corruption without fear or favour” and avoid appointing individuals linked to scandals to senior positions.
“This will be the first clear assurance that he is committed to good governance. Malawians expect him to uphold the Constitution, strengthen democratic institutions, follow the law, respect fundamental freedoms, and treat all citizens equally regardless of political or regional background,” he added.
However, Mwakasungula doubts whether Mutharika will provide a clear timeframe for implementing his numerous campaign promises, many of which require long-term reforms, while citizens are eager for immediate solutions to daily hardships.
Scotland-based economic expert Velli Nyirongo said expectations for Mutharika’s inaugural address are high.
“His speech will be more than ceremonial; it will signal priorities in a nation facing pressing economic and social challenges. Malawians will expect clear acknowledgment of rising living costs, unstable forex reserves, food insecurity, and challenges affecting business activity.
“A forward-looking message should balance reassurance with realism and outline strategies for agricultural productivity, supporting exports, and managing debt to restore confidence,” Nyirongo said.
Nyirongo also emphasized governance. “Credibility will depend on a firm stance against corruption and a pledge that State resources will not be treated as personal wealth.
He said citizens want to hear a vision for rebuilding trust in institutions, ensuring transparency, merit-based appointments, and no favouritism along regional or political lines.
Governance expert Willy Kambwandira stressed that citizens expect tangible action against corruption.
“Malawians are wary of shady contracts and inflated procurements. We expect the incoming government to make procurement more transparent through open contracting, audits, and reviews of large contracts. With inflation, foreign exchange shortages, and debt burdens, Mutharika must tighten government spending and reduce unnecessary expenses to restore faith,” he said.
He said the Capital Hill cash-gate scandal remains symbolic of what Malawians want cleaned up.
“We also expect more resources and independence for the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate and prosecute without political interference. Merit-based leadership at ACB and other law enforcement agencies, appointed transparently, is crucial,” Kambwandira added.
Senior Chiefs Kanyenda of Nkhotakota and Chapananga of Chikwawa said they expect the president’s speech to focus on uniting Malawians and addressing poverty.
Women’s rights activist and Women’s Legal Resources Centre executive director Maggie Kathewera Banda said she expects Mutharika to announce concrete measures to promote women and commit to a gender-balanced Cabinet in line with the Malawi Gender Equality Act.
Youth activist and national coordinator of Youth Decide, Mwandida Theu, said young people hope the inaugural address articulates a clear, actionable vision for youth empowerment, economic opportunities, education, and civic engagement.
“Specifically, we hope to hear commitments on youth empowerment, economic opportunities, education, and civic engagement. The speech should go beyond ceremonial words to reflect a genuine understanding of young people’s aspirations and frustrations,” Theu said.
As Malawians gather at Kamuzu Stadium today, all eyes will be on Mutharika’s inaugural speech to set the tone for his second term and the nation’s future.
