MALAWI: Analyst Says Mutharika’s Rallies Inspire Confidence in DPP

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

Political analyst Enerst Thindwa has said that the recent rallies conducted by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika have revived hope and confidence among supporters of the opposition party.

Thindwa noted that Mutharika’s public appearances have challenged long-standing speculation that the former president was unwell and no longer capable of leading. The rumours, he explained, gained ground because of Mutharika’s prolonged silence and absence from mass political gatherings.

“The rallies have given assurance to his followers that he is still strong and active in politics,” Thindwa said, adding that this has boosted morale within the party and silenced critics who doubted Mutharika’s political stamina.

He further observed that the worsening economic and governance challenges in Malawi have pushed many citizens to reconsider their political choices. According to Thindwa, Malawians are increasingly looking to the DPP as an alternative, despite previously expressing dissatisfaction with the party during its time in power.

The DPP, which ruled Malawi from 2005 to 2012 under Bingu wa Mutharika and again from 2014 to 2020 under Peter Mutharika, lost the presidency to Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) after the 2020 Fresh Presidential Election. Since then, the party has struggled with internal divisions but continues to command significant support nationwide.

Rumours have been circulating that Mutharika is sick, with propaganda allegedly pushed by some opponents and even by the state-owned Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). Others have claimed that he is too old to lead the country again if he wins the presidency.

In response, Mutharika has energised his campaign by picking a female running mate, a move seen as both historic and strategic, while drawing thousands of supporters to his whistle-stop rallies acro

ss the country.