Former Malawi President Peter Mutharika has been chosen to lead the DPP in the 2025 presidential elections, marking his return to politics at age 84. He aims to challenge current President Lazarus Chakwera, who previously defeated him. Mutharika’s party has expelled dissenters to secure his leadership, while Chakwera contends with unfulfilled promises amid a challenging governance environment.
Peter Mutharika, the former president of Malawi, has been designated by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to lead their campaign in the 2025 presidential election. At 84 years old, Mutharika is attempting a political comeback after previously indicating he would step back from politics. He claims he is responding to requests from his supporters who feel the current president, Lazarus Chakwera, is failing the country.
Mutharika lost the presidency to Chakwera in a 2020 election re-run mandated by the Constitutional Court due to widespread election irregularities in 2019. The court’s decision annulled Mutharika’s initial victory, leading to significant public praise for the judiciary’s stance against electoral fraud. Since then, the DPP has faced internal turmoil, leading to the expulsion of members who opposed Mutharika’s leadership.
On Monday, Mutharika received formal confirmation as the DPP’s presidential candidate, ensuring he will challenge Chakwera for the third time after each previously winning and losing against one another. He informed his party supporters of his readiness to reclaim the presidency, criticizing the current administration as ineffective. Some critics argue that the party would be better served by selecting a younger candidate to lead.
Chakwera, the current president, is 15 years younger than Mutharika, having promised to tackle corruption and create jobs. However, his administration acknowledges challenges in meeting these commitments, attributing setbacks to the pandemic and other natural disasters. Despite these issues, officials argue that the current government has outperformed previous administrations in curbing corruption and has initiated significant infrastructure development, including rail services.
As the election approaches, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) aims to defend its achievements while potentially using Mutharika’s age against him. They may question his capability to govern effectively given his advanced age. This setting sets the stage for a critical and closely watched electoral battle between two seasoned politicians.
Peter Mutharika’s selection as the DPP’s presidential candidate for the 2025 elections marks a significant political comeback, reflecting both the support of his party and a desire among supporters for change from the current administration. His rival, Chakwera, faces challenges in fulfilling campaign promises, while critiques regarding Mutharika’s age highlight the evolving dynamics of Malawi’s political landscape as the election nears.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
