Malawi is abuzz with politics, again. Not because there is anything new under the sun, but because the usual suspects are at it.
Our national conversation right now is generally soaked in dissatisfaction: the economy is on its knees, hunger is already bothering the stomachs of millions of hopeless citizens, fuel queues are back, the Kwacha continues its free-fall, forex is a luxury and average Malawian is in a race with the cost of living, but it is clearly a losing chase.
Yet, amid all this economic collapse, hunger and growing hopelessness, many politicians are busy jostling for seats in the upcoming elections. Never mind the national crisis at hand; their focus is already on the next term, not the current task.
I have no problem with anyone throwing his or her hat into the political ring. That is exactly what multiparty democracy is about. But here is the truth; public office is not a reward for noise making at political rallies. It is a solemn responsibility to serve, to perform and to change lives. You cannot seek election when your scorecard is empty. You cannot demand votes when your only visible achievement is a string of unkept promises.
Malawians are hungry, not just for food, but for real change. They expect leaders who understand that power is not a prize to be stockpiled, but a responsibility to be exercised with integrity and urgency. It is unacceptable that while the country is bleeding economically, some politicians are busy chasing political ambition like it is the only lifeboat in a sinking ship.
So, before some politician dreams of office or another term, the question must be: What have you done to lift Malawians out of poverty, to fix the broken economy and to restore hope? Have you created jobs for the unemployed youth who roam our streets with empty hands and heavier hearts? Have you ensured that our farmers can access markets without the fear of exploitation?
Have you built or renovated schools and improved the quality of education so that future generations have a fighting chance? Because until these questions are answered with real, measurable progress (not empty promises and political spin), the call for another term rings out of touch with the desperate cries of the people.
The duty to fix all these challenges does not rest on the Presidency alone. It is a collective responsibility that also falls on Cabinet ministers, Parliamentarians and technocrats who are expected to be crafting laws that promote economic growth, civil servants who must execute policies with integrity and local leaders who interact daily with the communities on the ground.
Even the opposition has a role to play in holding the government accountable and present i ng v iabl e alternatives. Opposition leadership in opposition is not just about badmouthing others—‘adadi akula’, alamu mwakula kapumeni, or a uje aja akudwala chakuti chakuti. It is about offering real, credible alternatives—holding those in power accountable with facts and solutions, not just noise and name-calling when elections approach.
Now, as we move toward this year’s elections, I will remind every politician dreaming of power that the road to political success is indeed long, expensive and exhausting.
Becoming a President, Member of Parliament or Ward Councillor is only the beginning of the process. The real test lies in delivery, daily grind of governance and action that speaks louder than promises.
Just start convincing us now with service that speaks for itself. Show us impact, and show us results not rhetoric. Only then will you earn the right to ask for another mandate.
