The Political Uncertainty in Malawi: Elections, Former Leaders, and the Shifting Sands of Trust

 By   Justin Kirangacha | The Common Pulse/latest news/Ukraine/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025.

Malawi stands at a political crossroads once again, and the 2025 general election has captured the attention of citizens, the region, and international observers. With results yet to be officially announced, tension fills the air as both leading camps claim victory, each eager to assert dominance in a race that is far from settled. What makes this moment even more complex is not just the vote tally itself but the personalities, promises, and political baggage surrounding the candidates and their alliances. The election has become a mirror reflecting Malawi’s deeper struggles with governance, generational shifts, and the weight of history.

The Return of Mutharika and the Question of Age

Few political developments have stirred as much debate as the return of former president Peter Mutharika into the presidential race. At 85 years old, his decision to contest has sparked both loyalty and skepticism. For his supporters, Mutharika represents a seasoned leader with a legacy of economic stabilization and international recognition, particularly during his earlier years in power. Yet, his critics view his return as a step backward, questioning whether Malawi should be entrusting its future to a man in his mid-eighties. The debate has become not just about policies but about capability, energy, and vision. In many corners of Malawi, the issue of age is not dismissed lightly, especially in a nation where the majority of the population is under 30. The generational gap between leaders and citizens underscores the perception that political leadership is not keeping pace with the youthful aspirations of Malawians.

The Roles of Former Presidents and Political Heavyweights

Mutharika’s comeback is only one part of the intricate puzzle. Malawi’s political stage has always been influenced by the shadows of its former presidents, each carrying influence, networks, and varying levels of public trust. Joyce Banda, for instance, has remained an active figure in Malawi’s political discourse. While no longer holding the top office, her voice and alliances continue to matter, particularly in shaping the dynamics between opposition and ruling party factions. In a nation where the memories of past presidencies are fresh, the electorate often views the credibility of current candidates through the lens of history. This reality makes the influence of Banda, Mutharika, and other past leaders far more than ceremonial, it is deeply practical, shaping negotiations, coalitions, and endorsements.

Shifting Alliances in a Fluid Political Landscape

If there is one constant in Malawian politics, it is the shifting nature of political alliances. This election has once again highlighted how quickly loyalties can move and how strategic coalitions are formed and reformed based on immediate electoral gains rather than long-term ideological commitment. Candidates who once stood in opposition to each other now share platforms, while former allies turn into bitter rivals. These shifts leave many voters disillusioned, perceiving that the political elite prioritizes personal power over national interest. Yet at the same time, alliances are seen as a necessary evil, the only viable path to consolidating enough votes in a diverse and fragmented political space. This electoral season has seen alliances cut across regional lines, party histories, and personal rivalries, adding more complexity to the voter’s decision-making process.

Campaign Promises versus the Reality of Governance

As with any election, promises have flowed abundantly. Economic revival, youth employment, healthcare reform, and infrastructure development dominate the speeches and manifestos. However, Malawians are increasingly skeptical of such pledges, aware that the road between campaign rhetoric and actual delivery has historically been riddled with broken promises. The gap between what was promised in past elections and what was achieved has eroded trust, pushing citizens to ask harder questions about accountability. Social media has amplified this skepticism, with younger voters quick to fact-check and remind leaders of past failures. This election, more than others, has forced candidates to navigate a wary and watchful public that is no longer easily swayed by grandiose declarations.

The Absence of Meaningful Debates

One of the recurring frustrations for many voters has been the absence of robust, policy-driven debates. In democratic societies, debates provide a platform for candidates to be tested in real time, defending their vision against scrutiny and criticism. In Malawi, however, such debates have either been absent, stage-managed, or underwhelming. This lack of open, structured dialogue has deprived citizens of a chance to make decisions based on policy comparisons rather than partisan loyalty. Instead, much of the campaign trail has been dominated by rallies, slogans, and symbolic gestures that play to emotions rather than substance. This absence further deepens the gap between citizens’ desire for issue-based politics and the political class’s reliance on personality-driven campaigns.

Trust in the Process Amid Claims of Victory

As both main parties claim victory before official announcements, Malawi finds itself in a precarious moment. Such premature declarations not only raise the stakes but also test the credibility of the electoral commission and the broader democratic system. For citizens, the question is not only who wins but whether the process itself can be trusted. History has taught Malawians to be wary of contested outcomes and the violence or unrest that can follow. International observers have urged calm, but within the country, there is palpable anxiety. The strength of Malawi’s democratic institutions will be tested by how the commission handles the announcement, how disputes are resolved, and whether the losers accept the verdict with dignity.

The Battle Between Hope and Disillusionment

This election is not just about candidates; it is about the battle between hope and disillusionment. For many Malawians, the act of voting represents a stubborn hope that change is possible, that leaders can rise above personal ambition and deliver meaningful progress. Yet, there is also the creeping disillusionment of unmet expectations, of leaders recycling themselves through the corridors of power, and of promises that vanish after ballots are counted. The return of Mutharika, the persistence of Banda, the absence of debates, and the premature victory claims all feed into this duality, creating a political environment that is as fragile as it is resilient.

The Generational Divide and the Future of Malawi’s Politics

Perhaps the most profound undercurrent in this election is the generational divide. Malawi is a young country, demographically speaking, yet its leadership remains in the hands of the old guard. This mismatch raises fundamental questions about the future direction of the nation. Younger Malawians are digitally connected, globally aware, and ambitious. They yearn for leaders who not only understand their struggles but also share their generational language and vision. Whether Malawi’s political elite can adapt to this reality or continue to recycle aging leaders will play a defining role in the nation’s trajectory in the coming decade.

A Nation on Edge, Awaiting Clarity

As Malawians wait for the official results, the political landscape remains charged with uncertainty. The return of Mutharika at 85, the enduring influence of former presidents, the constant reshuffling of alliances, and the absence of serious policy debates all shape a complex electoral season. Citizens weigh campaign promises against lived realities, balancing hope with skepticism. The premature claims of victory by both leading camps have only heightened tension, leaving the electoral commission with the heavy burden of ensuring credibility and transparency. Whatever the outcome, one thing remains clear: Malawi’s democracy is being tested once again, and the choices made in this moment will echo long into the nation’s future.