By Burnett Munthali
In a thought-provoking post on a widely followed WhatsApp platform, political commentator Oldman Malinga has made strong recommendations for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to reconsider its leadership in light of the upcoming 2025 elections. Malinga, known for his candid views on Malawian politics, has suggested that Peter Mutharika, the current leader of DPP, is no longer the right person to lead the party into the future.
Malinga’s critique centers on Mutharika’s inability to remain actively engaged in the political landscape. He labels Mutharika as the “weakest link” in the party, pointing to the former president’s age and health as factors that inhibit his capacity to actively lead. According to Malinga, for DPP to be successful in the 2025 elections, it needs a leader who is consistently on the ground, week by week, connecting with the electorate, and addressing their concerns. Mutharika’s age, Malinga argues, has made it increasingly difficult for him to meet these demands.
“Peter Mutharika is not an active president,” Malinga stated in his post. “DPP needs a president who is physically and mentally capable of engaging with the people on a regular basis, one who can build momentum, campaign tirelessly, and represent the party’s vision effectively.”
Malinga’s comments are not a new critique of Mutharika’s leadership, but they come at a crucial time for the DPP. With the 2025 elections on the horizon, the party is facing intense pressure to regain political dominance after a tumultuous period. The challenges, both internal and external, have left many questioning the direction of the party under Mutharika’s leadership.
Malinga is calling for fresh leadership within the DPP, someone who can infuse energy into the party, rally supporters, and address the pressing issues facing the country. He emphasizes that the time for new leadership is now, as Malawi’s political climate is shifting, and the electorate is demanding dynamic leadership that can respond to their needs.
This debate within the DPP raises important questions about the party’s future. The DPP has historically been one of Malawi’s dominant political forces, but its ability to maintain relevance in the coming years depends largely on how it navigates the issue of leadership. Will the party embrace Malinga’s call for a new president, or will it continue to rely on Mutharika’s legacy, despite growing concerns about his ability to effectively lead?
As the DPP prepares for the 2025 elections, the leadership question remains a central issue. Malinga’s post has added fuel to the fire of internal debates, and how the party responds could shape its chances in the upcoming polls. Only time will tell if Mutharika will continue to lead, or if DPP will find a new leader who can lead the party to victory in 2025.
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