As Malawi goes to the polls in just over 200 days from now, what would the country look like after those elections in the hands of DPP, MCP or UTM as the frontrunners to take power?
The die is cast. After September elections, minus potential configurations resulting from possible electoral alliances, one of these three parties — Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and UTM, will be the one ruling the country.
Data from an Afrobarometer survey in June put those three parties as frontrunners.
But what do those three parties hold for the country?
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda said the party is committed to addressing corruption, financial accountability and undertake governance reforms.
He described corruption as a major obstacle to Malawi’s development.
According to him, President Lazarus Chakwera remains steadfast in his commitment to zero tolerance against corruption.
He said the MCP government has strengthened the Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) by increasing its budget and guaranteeing its independence.
The fact that several government officials have been arrested on corruption allegations demonstrates the government’s seriousness in tackling corruption, he said.
Chimwendo Banda said the fight against corruption is difficult but necessary for national progress.
“The government is reviewing anti-corruption laws and working with the private sector and civil society to combat corruption,” he said.
Banda dismissed claims that corruption has festered under MCP watch over the past four years it has been in power.
He said such accusations are political tactics ahead of elections.
He also said under MCP, Malawi has seen progress in electricity supply and economic reforms.
However, he admitted ongoing challenges such as inflation, food insecurity and unemployment.
He called on Malawians to judge MCP by its achievements rather than political propaganda.
For the DPP, the party’s Secretary General, Peter Mukhitho, said under the leadership of former president Peter Mutharika, the party is positioning itself for a reform-orientated government ahead of what he called the party’s return to power come September.
“The party is prioritising anti-corruption efforts, ethical governance, financial accountability and public engagement to rebuild trust and ensure progress.
“We are geared to strengthening the Anti- Corruption Bureau with an independent director empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption cases,” Mukhitho said.
He said the party will be conducting regular audits and enhance transparent financial reporting across government departments.
He also said the DPP will establish secure channels for whistleblowers to report misconduct in the public service without fear of retaliation.
On preventing financial mismanagement, Mukhitho said when DPP is back in power, they will make sure to strengthen government processes to enhance transparency and limit political interference.
“We will ensure accountability through visible, measurable reforms to restore public trust,” Mukhitho said.
He said the DPP’s vision is built on transparency, integrity and community involvement – the pillars which it sees as essential for rebuilding Malawi.
“We will move beyond promises and deliver tangible reforms that address the country’s governance challenges,” he said.
The UTM Secretary General could not respond to our questions.
Malawi goes to the elections on September 16, 2025.
0 Comments