An analysis by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) on six presidential candidates in the September 16 General Election states that Malawians have a difficult choice of a leader who can steer the country to prosperity.
The rights organisation analysed candidates from the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), People’s Party (PP), UTM Party, United Democratic Front (UDF) and Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu.
Major issues highlighted in the analysis included failure to manage the economy, nepotism and corruption, especially for those who have been in power before.
Signed by HRDC chairperson Gift Trapence, the analysis says while incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, who is also MCP leader, has to some extent laid the foundations for the country’s transformation in infrastructure, energy, education, and agriculture, there has been insufficient progress in improving people’s welfare hit by rising cost of living.
Reads the analysis in part: “The key challenge is to explain to Malawians how MCP is going to manage the ailing economy. Malawians also want to hear what previous manifesto promises have been achieved and why other promises were not realised.”
It says while President Chakwera’s choice of Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba as running mate may have energised youthful and progressive voters, questions remain on whether this will help fulfill promises MCP is making to the electorate.
On DPP, the group wonders what new agenda the party will bring, having been ejected from power in 2020 due to allegations of corruption, nepotism, political violence, and abuse of State resources.
HRDC further argues that the nomination of retired Justice Jane Ansah as Peter Mutharika’s running mate, a central figure in the May 2019 ‘Tippex election’, was a slap in the face for Malawi’s democracy.
“While she has the right to contest, she owes Malawians honest answers. Her silence and Mutharika’s refusal to acknowledge electoral fraud in 2019 signal impunity and disrespect for democratic accountability.
“The DPP’s proposal for a second Vice-President is troubling. Malawi is too small, too broke, and too burdened to afford such political indulgence. Is this about serving Malawians or preserving elite networks?” HRDC queries.
Meanwhile, the analysis also takes note of PP president Joyce Banda’s bid for a comeback, especially her populist promises that include free secondary education, healthcare reform, and social safety nets.
Further reads the analysis: “But former president Joyce Banda’s legacy is haunted by the Cashgate scandal and the mysterious disposal of the presidential jet. Her leadership during that era remains controversial.
“Its strength lies in grassroots appeal, especially among women and rural communities. Can PP restore public trust? Or is this yet another round of political recycling?”
In the analysis, the HRDC also looks at the UTM Party as a bold reformist underdog, promising to reboot the economy with people-centred policies and fiscal discipline.
But the organisation says allegations against the party’s leader Dalitso Kabambe that during his time in government he submitted cooked-up figures to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are troubling.
It says: “His running mate, Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, is a respected academic and business leader—known for integrity and innovation. Together, the pair projects a fresh, modern image. But can they overcome strongholds of other political parties?”
The report further looks at the UDF under Atupele Muluzi, describing it as a party struggling to reinvent itself.
However, the analysis says Vice-President Michael Usi of Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu has brought charisma and grassroots connection, spurred by State machinery.
However, it says Usi’s theatrical style of poliics raises questions about his seriousness as a candidate.
Commenting on the analysis, political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche described the forthcoming election as a contest of failures, except for UTM Party, which, he said, has candidates who have never held a political office before.
“The rest are candidates who did not live up to expectations when given the power to lead. This election is only a democratic rite of passage as it offers us no better choice, particularly the two front runners, DPP and MCP.
“People will vote based on other factors like tribe, religion, and patronage. This is how we will decide the winner, totally dismissing the illusion that people will vote for a lesser evil,” he said.
An expert in identity and electoral politics Gift Sambo said there was also need to determine the feasibility of current promises and gauge the extent to which they reflect a reformed mind, especially for those trying to return to power.
Last week, the Malawi Electoral Commission approved 17 out of 20 presidential aspirants who presented their nomination papers to contest in the September 16 General Election.
