By Chisomo Phiri
The year 2025 has kicked off, and the political battle between incumbent President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and former President Professor Peter Mutharika is heating up.
The two political giants are set to face off in the 2025 presidential race, with Mutharika already challenging Chakwera to ensure a fair campaign process.
Mutharika has been vocal about his concerns, calling on Chakwera to declare the central region open for campaign rallies to all political parties.
He is also demanding that law enforcers bring to book attackers of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters in Lilongwe, which occurred in February last year.
As the campaign season unfolds, it is clear that both Chakwera and Mutharika are gearing up for an intense battle.
With the presidential election just around the corner, Malawians can expect a flurry of campaign promises, rallies, and debates.
Key issues to watch
Some key issues to watch out for in this election include:
1. Election Integrity: Mutharika’s concerns about fairness and transparency in the campaign process are likely to be a major theme. The issue of electoral reform, including the possibility of electronic voting, may also be debated.
2. Economic Development: Both candidates will likely focus on their plans for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Chakwera’s administration has implemented various economic initiatives, while Mutharika’s campaign is expected to emphasize his experience in managing the economy during his previous term.
3. Good Governance: The issue of good governance, including corruption and accountability, may also feature prominently in the campaign. Chakwera’s administration has made efforts to combat corruption, while Mutharika’s campaign may highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability.
4 Regional Dynamics
The central region, which has historically been a stronghold for the ruling party, is expected to play a crucial role in the election.
Mutharika’s demand for the region to be declared open for campaign rallies reflects the importance of this region in the electoral calculus.
5 International Observation
The international community is likely to keep a close eye on the election, with various organizations and countries expected to send observer missions to Malawi.
The European Union, the African Union, and the Commonwealth are among the organizations that have observed Malawian elections in the past.
As the election approaches, it’s essential for Malawians to stay informed and engaged in the political process.
The campaign is expected to be highly competitive, with both candidates likely to make significant promises to voters. Ultimately, the outcome of the election will depend on the ability of. each candidate to mobilize support and convince voters of their vision for Malawi’s future.
