United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi has raised alarm over what he describes as a growing threat to democracy in, warning that Malawi is on a dangerous path toward autocratic rule and internal decay.
Speaking at the Platform for African Democrats conference last month, he said that Malawi is experiencing a rollback of democratic principles amid rising global instability and weakening international cooperation.
“We are witnessing a dangerous shift: a retreat from the principles that have long underpinned democratic governance,” Atupele said. “Truth itself has become a casualty, with disinformation distorting the foundations of informed political discourse.”
He pointed to the consolidation of power by autocratic regimes across the continent, adding that such trends have emboldened leaders who undermine democracy through coercion rather than consent.
Atupele linked these regional developments to Malawi, accusing the current administration of using undemocratic tactics to cling to power.
The UDF president did not provide specific details on the alleged tactics, but urged Malawians to resist any attempts to subvert democratic norms.
He also highlighted the impact of shrinking international support, citing the scaling back of donor agencies such as USAid, the US Agency for International Support.
Atupele warned that Africa is being left to tackle economic stagnation, agricultural insecurity, corruption and poor governance largely on its own.
He further accused several African governments of falling prey to kleptocracy, describing them as “government by the corrupt, for the corrupt,” where leaders prioritise personal enrichment over public service.
His remarks come amid growing criticism of the government over its handling of the economy, persistent corruption allegations, and perceived failures to address public concerns on unemployment, inflation, and service delivery.
Atupele is a former Cabinet minister, member of Parliament and son of Malawi’s second president Bakili Muluzi, who presided over the country’s transition from one-party rule to democracy.
He is expected to heighten political competition as the country edges closer to the next election cycle despite losing his parliamentary seat in Machinga North East Constituency six years ago.
Atupele has recently voiced concerns regarding the country’s democratic trajectory under the current administration.
He alleges that government officials threatened him with arrest following his critical remarks during a radio interview, Muluzi declared, “Our democracy must be defended, and I will not back down. If speaking the truth is a crime, then bring it on!”
His criticisms encompass several areas, including economic mismanagement.
Atupele has stpoken against government’s handling of the economy, pointing to issues such as rising unemployment and inflation.
He has also accused the administration of persistent corruption and failing to address public concerns effectively, contrary to President Lazarus Chakwera’s promises to end graft.
Atupele contends that the government employs intimidation tactics to silence opposition political parties and dissenting voices, thereby undermining democratic principles.
In response, Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma challenged him to provide evidence of the alleged threats, questioning the legitimacy of his claims.
These developments have sparked debates about the state of democracy in Malawi, with concerns over shrinking democratic space and the government’s commitment to upholding democratic values.
Major challenges:
According to Transparency International, corruption remains a pervasive issue, affecting all levels of government.
High-profile scandals, such as the Cashgate in 2013, have undermined public trust and diverted resources from essential services.
According to Atupele lower-level officials often feel pressured to tolerate corrupt behaviour from their superiors, further entrenching the problem.
Malawi’s economy is also plagued by high inflation, significant public debt and foreign exchange shortages.
In February 2025, the government reduced its economic growth forecast from four percent to three percent, prompting widespread protests over rising living costs.
These economic challenges strain the government’s capacity to deliver public services effectively, impacting citizens’ daily lives.
Human rights concerns such as discrimination and violence against women and minority groups persist.
Additionally, prison conditions remain harsh, with overcrowding and inadequate facilities posing serious threats to inmates’ well-being.
Recently, Parliament amended the colonial prison law to reform the country’s correctional facilities which activists described as focusing more on punishing inmates than reforming them.
Public sector challenges
Efforts to reform the public sector face significant obstacles, including mismanagement and a lack of accountability.
The government’s struggle to implement effective reforms has led to public frustration over poor services and unresponsive local governance.
Despite these challenges, Malawi’s democratic institutions have shown resilience.
The Judiciary and civil society have played crucial roles in countering democratic backsliding and public support for democracy remains robust.
Surveys, including Afrobarometer opinion polls, indicate that a majority of Malawians prefer democratic governance to authoritarian alternatives.
Atupele has declared his intention to run in Malawi’s 2025 presidential election, indicating that talks for a potential electoral alliance conceived to unseat Chakwera are underway.
In a recent statement, he affirmed: “I will be on the ballot, and Malawians will vote for me as President.”
Atupele, who went to the 2020 court-ordered fresh presidential election as running mate for the then sitting president and Democratic Progressive Party torchbearer Peter Mutharika, has outlined a comprehensive agenda for his political comeback.
His early campaign messages focus on key areas such as food security, energy development, export promotion, education reform, tourism revitalisation and healthcare.
He stresses: “Above all, Malawi should have food.”
Last year, UDF officially endorsed Atupele’s candidacy for the upcoming elections.
He has also addressed concerns regarding his father’s influence on his political career, asserting his independence and outlining his unique vision for Malawi’s future.
“I am my own man,” said Atupele, declaring his commitment to progressive politics aimed at finding solutions to the nation’s pressing challenges.
His political experience includes serving as Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining; Home Affairs and Internal Security; and Lands, Housing and Urban Development.—Lansinginstitute.org
