W ith just a month to the polling day, the build-up to the September 16 General Election has reached a fever pitch.
Campaign rallies have become a common sight everywhere you go and the songs in the air radiate uncurbed optimism.
The slogans in the air include Boma ndi lomweli, sitikusintha; 2025 Boma, Bwana ndinu owinawina, mulibe opikisana naye and Boma tikutenga.
Besides, there are all those promises driven by good will, greed and insincerity: Three meals a day for all, over a million jobs for the youth and aliyese azanenepa chifukwa chakudya chizakhala kutapa kutaya.
I envy politicians’ confidence, but there is no completion without losers.
The candidates destined for the ballot should not throw caution to the wind by declaring themselves winners before a single vote is cast.
It is worrying that most aspirants borrow huge sums, including katapira (usury) to finance campaigns they can barely sustain.
They are sleepwalking into deadly debt traps, gambling their livelihoods on the altar of uncertain victory.
To these individuals, a sobering truth must be repeated: There is life after losing elections.
In every election, Malawi sees self-declared members of Parliament, councillors and even shadow presidents who operate under the illusion that popularity in their hometowns guarantees them national victory.
Many plunge into debt, selling family land, pawning property or borrowing from predatory lenders with blind faith in their own hype.
The reality, however, is that the ballot box is indifferent—it does not respect one’s status or self-judgement.
The ballot box neither hears cheerleaders’ praise nor honours personal entitlement. It reflects the will of the people.
Sometimes, voters’ will can be illogical or emotional, but it is always final.
Therefore, candidates’ emotional thinking should not outweigh their logical thinking.
For those who lose, the fall is often brutal. Piling debts come due. Supporters disappear. Humiliation haunts.
But this is not the end. It is a reality check, not a death sentence.
Defeat can be the start of reflection, reinvention and even greater impact outside the formal corridors of power.
Many who failed at the ballot have become respected social entrepreneurs, activists, educators and advisors.
Leadership is not confined to a government office, in fact, some of Malawi’s greatest change makers never held elected office.
This information is not to discourage ambition, but to instill responsible realism and a sense of caution in political contenders.
Election campaigns should be planned with sustainability in mind.
Do not borrow money you cannot repay.
Do not burn bridges you will need tomorrow.
Do not invest your entire identity in an election result you cannot control.
Elections should not bankrupt individuals or ruin families. Politics should be a service, not a suicide mission.
The self-crowned winners should remember that no one has ever won an election by sheer confidence alone.
To those overawed by the shame of losing, understand and know that dignity in defeat is more honourable than arrogance in victory.
To all aspirants in the tripartite race, it is better to run your race with humility. Remember, whether in victory or loss, Malawi still needs you. There is a more meaningful life after the elections.
Let us build a political culture that values service over self, preparation over pomp and resilience over ruin.
Being genuine and realistic in our campain is not a sin. Issue-based campaign is more civil and cheaper than dishing out handouts funded by unsustainable debts.
It is good not to over-promise the electorate because it shall come back to us.
All the best to all candidates on September 16. Let us all go and vote wisely.
