Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-17 16:18:43
Former Malawi President Peter Mutharika has emerged as a key player in the upcoming 2025 general elections, positioning himself as a strong challenger to the incumbent Lazarus Chakwera. Mutharika, who also leads the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has been vocal in his criticism of Chakwera’s governance, accusing him of poor leadership and a lack of development.
The decision by Mutharika to run for the presidency again comes amid alleged attacks on DPP members by youths affiliated with Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Mutharika has criticized Chakwera’s administration for the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha, which has resulted in a decline in the income of Malawians and a rise in the prices of basic goods.
In a recent statement, Mutharika vowed to contest in the 2025 elections, dismissing attempts by the MCP to hinder his candidacy. He called on Malawians to reject the return of what he described as the oppressive rule of the MCP, pledging to rescue the country from destruction.
However, the MCP has dismissed Mutharika’s accusations, with party spokesperson Ezekiel Ching’oma labeling his remarks as baseless and laughable. Ching’oma pointed out the history of violence associated with Mutharika’s party and questioned the former president’s motives in seeking reelection.
Despite losing in the 2020 presidential elections, Mutharika remains determined to secure victory in the upcoming polls. He has called on Malawians to support his bid to restore dignity to the country and address the challenges facing the nation, including economic turmoil and high unemployment rates.
Malawi has been grappling with economic challenges exacerbated by the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha, leading to increased prices of goods and services. The country has also struggled to create employment opportunities for its youthful population, resulting in a labor export deal with Israel.
Chakwera, who came to power on a platform of job creation, has claimed to have generated over nine hundred thousand jobs during his tenure. However, industry experts have questioned the validity of these figures, citing ongoing economic challenges and high inflation rates.
The Employers Consultative Association of Malawi has highlighted the obstacles facing the economy, including supply chain disruptions and inflation, which have impacted companies’ ability to sell goods and services. The Pan African Visions also reported cases of individuals falsifying their dates of birth to secure positions in the police and army departments.
Despite a slight decrease in the unemployment rate in 2023, Malawi continues to face significant challenges in creating sustainable employment opportunities. The country’s unemployment rate has fluctuated over the years, reaching a record low in 1997 and a high in 2021, according to the International Labor Office.
As Malawi prepares for the 2025 elections, the political landscape remains contentious, with Mutharika and Chakwera positioning themselves as key contenders for the presidency. The outcome of the elections will have far-reaching implications for the country’s future development and governance.
Read the original article on Malawi Voice
