By Burnett Munthali
As Malawi gears up for the 2025 elections, the political landscape is heating up with the three main contenders vying for the presidency: incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), former President Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and former President Joyce Banda of the People’s Party (PP). Each of these leaders has spent time in the esteemed Sanjika Palace and has managed the affairs of Capital Hill. Their legacies are shaped by their responses to pressing national issues, including natural disasters, corruption, food shortages, and economic challenges.
Lazarus Chakwera: Since taking office in 2020, Chakwera has emphasized a governance style focused on transparency and accountability. His administration has made strides in combating corruption, establishing the Anti-Corruption Bureau to enhance investigations. However, critics argue that progress has been slow and some high-profile cases remain unresolved. His government has faced severe challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which complicated food security and economic stability.
Peter Mutharika: Mutharika’s tenure (2014-2020) was marked by significant economic growth but also marred by alleged corruption scandals. Mutharika sought to address food shortages through agricultural reforms, his administration tried hard to maintain the value of the Malawi Kwacha, leading to stable prices and good life for many Malawians.
Joyce Banda: Banda served as president from 2012 to 2014 and is known for her commitment to women’s empowerment and economic development. Her government faced major challenges, including rampant cashgate corruption, but she took steps to address these issues by introducing reforms and increasing transparency. Despite her efforts, she was unable to prevent the devaluation of the currency, which affected many citizens’ livelihoods.
All three presidents have faced the daunting task of managing Malawi’s economy and ensuring food security. The country has experienced recurrent floods and droughts, which have exacerbated food shortages.
Chakwera’s government has attempted to implement initiatives to boost agricultural productivity, yet Malawians still grapple with food insecurity. His critics argue that more could have been done to create a robust safety net for vulnerable populations.
Mutharika’s administration boasted a vision for agricultural transformation through initiatives like the Farm Input Subsidy Program, which aimed to provide fertilizers and seeds to farmers. However, issues of mismanagement plagued this effort, leading to questions about its effectiveness.
Banda prioritized agricultural reforms and sought to enhance the capacity of smallholder farmers. However, her efforts were overshadowed by cashgate corruption scandals, which led to public skepticism about her commitment to economic reform.
When it comes to international engagement, Chakwera has travelled tremendously more than any other president in Malawi with the global community, traveling extensively to attract foreign investment and aid. His proactive approach is seen as a bid to enhance Malawi’s international standing but critics argue there’s nothing showing on the ground as his government is highly accused of high corruption and fake procurements.
Mutharika also focused on international relations, leveraging his connections to boost trade agreements, though his administration.
Banda was known for her active role in international forums and her efforts to showcase Malawi as a viable partner for development. Her travel agenda included outreach to international donors, which was crucial for securing funding for her initiatives.
As the elections approach, public sentiment toward these three candidates is mixed. Many Malawians have voiced frustration over the ongoing issues of corruption, food shortages, and economic instability, prompting them to seek a leader who can restore hope and stability.
Recent data suggests that 97% of Malawians believe Chakwera’s government is highly corrupt and far away from reform and may not resonate with voters looking for developed Malawi. However, Mutharika’s experience and Banda’s focus on women’s rights and empowerment continue to appeal to certain demographics.
With the 2025 elections on the horizon, the battle of the three presidents presents a critical moment for Malawi. Each candidate has faced significant challenges and made contributions to the country’s political landscape. As voters weigh their options, they will need to consider not only the past performances of these leaders but also their vision for the future.
Ultimately, the question of who is the better president remains subjective. The preference of the Malawian electorate will depend on their assessment of governance styles, economic management, and how effectively each candidate addresses the pressing needs of the nation in the lead-up to the elections.
