By Martin MBEWE
A few months before a general election cycle, something strange happens across many African countries. The once dusty, broken roads suddenly get fixed. Boreholes, which had dried out or were in dire need of rehabilitation for years, start flowing again.
Politicians who have never been seen in certain villages suddenly appear, rolling up their sleeves and joining community projects.
They attend funerals, buy maize for struggling families, and promise a better future, speaking the language of development like it is their all-time mission.
But once the votes are tallied and the elections are over, the roads, like clockwork, fall apart again. The boreholes dry up. The politicians vanish, taking their promises with them, not to be seen again until the next election cycle.
Many Malawians know this story too well. For decades, “development” has been used during campaign time to win votes. Politicians rush to show they care, acting like they have just discovered poverty. But do they care? And have they only just gotten to know of their constituents’ pain points?
Since independence, Malawi has had six presidents: Hastings Kamuzu Banda, Bakili Muluzi, Bingu wa Mutharika, Joyce Banda, Peter Mutharika, and the incumbent Lazarus Chakwera.
Yet, many people still live like it were in the 1960s, facing poverty, poor infrastructure, and few opportunities.
The faces in power may have changed, but the daily struggles remain the same. This is not to say that Malawi’s presidents have done nothing; they have put in some effort. However, much more remains to be desired.
Many politicians present themselves as saviours. They rise with hope and promises, but often forget the people once they secure their tenure in office. Their promises turn to empty words, and their development plans never materialise, with their leadership serving
their interests, not the people.
But should Malawians only blame the presidents and politicians in general? Not entirely.
Sometimes, good leaders are often blocked by broken systems and by others within governance structures, like senior civil servants, departmental heads, bureaucrats, parliamentarians, and ward councilors, who are tasked with implementing policies and
decisions.
These officials are meant to be key players in local development, yet many mismanage resources and stall progress.
A report by Malawi’s Public Accounts Committee in December 2024 revealed widespread mismanagement in district councils, including unauthorised payments totaling K143.9 million for incomplete projects in Mangochi District Council.
In April 2025, a Karonga District Council meeting was aborted due to delayed reports and stalled projects, with councillors expressing frustration over negligence and lack of professionalism.
During Peter Mutharika’s presidency, he acknowledged resource mismanagement by councils, noting increased levels of abuse such as theft and corruption.
These instances show how mismanagement by parliamentarians and councillors has hindered Malawi’s development. Because of this, Malawi stays stuck.
Its economy struggles, roads crumble, hospitals lack medicine and equipment, and schools face a shortage of learning materials.
While other countries are moving forward, embracing new technology and rolling out better services, Malawi is fighting the same battles from decades ago.
Is development only something to think about during the election season? Should roads be fixed only when campaign posters are printed? Should hospitals get attention only when votes are needed? The last time I checked, development is a daily responsibility, not a once-every-five-year event.
Malawi will hold its next general election on September 16, 2025, to choose the President, Members of Parliament, and Ward Councillors.
This is a moment for all Malawians to reflect. Voters must ask the tough questions.
To the incumbent leadership, where are the promises and commitments made five years ago? To the opposition – what new ideas does it bring? Will it still be just the same old story – current and aspiring leaders only appearing when they want something from the electorate? Most importantly, how does Malawi make development a year-round promise and not just an election-time show?
The old woman in northern Malawi has seen far too many campaign promises turn into dust. Season after season, leaders come and go, but her life remains the same as she continues to age.
The farmers in central Malawi still struggle with poor markets and access to reliable farming inputs. The youth in the country’s south are jobless, frustrated,
and tired of empty words.
It is time Malawians demanded more, not just promises, but real action that lasts.
Development is not a favour; it is a right. It should never be talked about only during the election season.
Development players, including non-governmental organisations and individuals, are doing great work, but their efforts are often not visible because the land
that needs development is vast and requires collective action, particularly political commitment.
Malawi and many African countries must move beyond election-based development.
Africans need leaders who can demonstrate long-term planning, working to lift their communities who should hold them accountable all year round.
Real development is a continuous journey, not a political game.
The writer is a Development Communications Specialist from Lilongwe, Malawi.
