F
olks, as the September 16 2025 general election draws closer, the big question among many countrymen and women is not necessarily about who will win, but whether it even matters anymore. A familiar frustration, not so?
So, yes, elections are crucial. They provide a rare opportunity for citizens to elect political leaders of their choice as President, members of Parliament and ward councillors. They make citizens’ voices heard, allow voters to hold leaders accountable and choose a path of progress or change. And yes, in any ‘genuine’ democracy, the will of the people is reflected on the ballot.
For instance, Malawians booted Arthur Peter Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) out of government in 2020 on the back of allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement, arrogance and blatant disregard for the plight of Malawians. Public funds were looted mercilessly and key State institutions were undermined, reduced to mere tools for political patronage and self-preservation. They had completely lost touch with the people.
Then entered the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) with grand promises of a ‘Nu (new) Malawi,’ only to settle into the same old DPP habits. The past five years have reminded many citizens that in this country, changing leadership rarely amounts to anything meaningful.
Under the current administration, Malawians find themselves grappling with the same old struggles—the crippling cost of living, allegations of rampant corruption and mountains of unfulfilled promises. This is besides the free-falling Kwacha value and recurring shortages of foreign exchange, fuel and essential medicines, which are all stretching ordinary citizens to their breaking point.
Now, as the countdown to Voting Day continues, Malawians face a tough choice between a past that betrayed them and a present that has let them down.
With either APM or Chakwera likely to secure victory in this year’s presidential race, the pressing question is: who represents a lesser liability? If DPP returns to power, will the country revert to the very past Malawians rejected five years ago? And if the MCP wins again, are we facing another five years of indecisive leadership, broken promises, economic hardship, rising commodity prices, fuel and forex shortages, medicine scarcities and partisan operatives who stifle dissent through machetes and social media intimidation?
Either way, in my opinion, the road to this year’s elections feels more uncertain than ever.
Nevertheless, it is still crucial to be optimistic, hoping that this vote ushers in a transformed and vibrant leadership. One that breaks free from the shadow of the past and forges a new path forward. One that can replace the tired cycle of empty promises with a renewed sense of purpose and progress for the nation with integrity, innovation and genuine service to the people.
No government lsoses power without reason, and previous election losses by those in power in 1964, 1993, 1994, 2014 and 2020 were merely products of their own doings. Unfortunately, people who called out corruption, nepotism and many other governance ills by their names while in opposition started justifying the same ills after tasting power.
This is why, as a country, Malawi cannot afford to continue treating elections as mere rituals. Citizens must demand more than political party slogans. They must look for people who have a tangible, workable plan to move this country forward. Not who shouts the loudest at campaign rallies.
Until that time when politicians seek power fully aware that Malawians do not tolerate mediocrity, voters shall remain caught between a choice of disappointment or disaster.
