Peter Mutharika named DPP candidate for Malawi election

The Democratic Progress Party in Malawi has chosen former President Peter Mutharika as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election. Mutharika, who led the country from 2014 to 2020, made the pledge on Sunday. The 84-year-old vowed to address the economic challenges, including sluggish growth and shortages of foreign currency, fuel, and medicines.

Mutharika will go up against President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party, who is seeking re-election on 16 September 2025. Speaking at the party’s national convention in Blantyre, Mutharika expressed confidence in victory, citing past successes from opposition.

During his previous term, Mutharika, a former law professor, made strides in infrastructure and managed to slow inflation. However, his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and cronyism, which he has consistently denied.

Chakwera, 69, ascended to power with promises to combat corruption and boost economic growth. His critics argue that he has failed to deliver, with the nation’s economy still in a fragile state.

Mutharika also announced plans to form an opposition alliance with the United Transformation Movement (UTM). The UTM was established by the late Vice President Saulos Chilima, who tragically died in a plane crash in June. The UTM played a crucial role in Chakwera’s victory over Mutharika in 2020 but signaled an intention to leave the ruling alliance after Chilima’s death.

An alliance between the Democratic Progress Party and the UTM could significantly alter the political landscape, though the UTM has not yet confirmed this partnership. Attempts to reach UTM for comment were unsuccessful.