Introduction
In a pivotal moment for Malawi’s political landscape, Dr. Jane Ansah was recently announced as the running mate to former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for the 2025 elections under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) banner. Known for her distinguished legal career, Dr. Ansah has held key constitutional offices including Attorney General, Supreme Court Justice, and Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission.
Her nomination comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship and growing calls for credible leadership.
In this exclusive interview with The Maravi Post, Dr. Ansah shares her vision, reflects on her public service journey, and addresses both hope and skepticism surrounding her candidacy.
Section 1: Personal and leadership background
1. Dr. Ansah, congratulations on your nomination as running mate. How did you receive the news of your appointment by Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika?
Thank you. I received the news with humility and a deep sense of duty. Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s trust in my capabilities is both an honor and a serious responsibility. I accepted the nomination after prayerful reflection, fully conscious that Malawi finds itself at a critical crossroads. This is not just a political engagement—it is a solemn mission to help rescue our nation from economic disarray, institutional decay, and the erosion of public confidence in leadership.
2. Many Malawians know you from your past roles in the judiciary and the Malawi Electoral Commission. What life and leadership experiences do you bring to this new political role?
I bring over three decades of experience in public service, having served as a State Advocate, Senior Legal Aid Advocate, Chief Resident Magistrate (Southern Region), High Court Judge, Chairperson of the National Compensation Tribunal, Justice of the Supreme Court, Attorney General, and Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission. My leadership journey has been anchored in fidelity to the Constitution, an unwavering commitment to justice, and a profound respect for institutional independence. These experiences have prepared me to support Professor Mutharika in restoring order, rebuilding state institutions, and promoting the rule of law and the realisation of human rights, including Section 30 of our Constitution—the Right to Development.
3. How do you think your legal and judicial background will complement the presidency if elected alongside Professor Mutharika?
Governance must rest on constitutional order and legality. My legal and judicial background brings a disciplined understanding of the law, policy frameworks, and institutional checks and balances. Professor Mutharika is a constitutional expert in his own right, and I believe our combined expertise will provide a strong moral and legal compass for sound leadership, institutional restoration, and rule-based governance.
Section 2: Vision, strategy, and political outlook
4. What is your vision for Malawi, and how does it align with the broader DPP agenda for national development?
Malawi 2063 is a national vision we must all rally behind. It was the Democratic Progressive Party that established the National Planning Commission and led the development of this agenda. My vision, which is fully aligned with that of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, is to build a Malawi that works for all: a strong economy, jobs for our youth, functional public services, equal access for all to an enabled environment, and a government people can trust and respect. Our 2025 to 2030 Manifesto reflects this shared commitment and is anchored in Malawi 2063, focusing on economic recovery, national unity, and institutional integrity.
5. What areas of national policy or governance are you most passionate about influencing or reforming if elected into office?
I am deeply passionate about institutional reform, the empowerment of women, people living with disabilities, and youth, and the reestablishment of ethical public service. These are the pillars that hold up a functional state. Under the leadership of Professor Mutharika, I intend to contribute in shaping governance systems that serve the people and restore dignity to public administration.
6. The DPP has faced its share of criticism over the years. How do you plan to help the party regain public trust and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability?
We must lead by example and practice what we preach. My track record has always reflected impartiality, discipline, and integrity. I intend to support His Excellency, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, in his drive to uphold those same values within the DPP and to push for a culture of accountability, meritocracy, and openness. Professor Mutharika’s decision to blend his administration by bringing in new and credible leadership reflects the DPP’s commitment to renewal and ethical governance.
7. As a female running mate, what message are you sending to Malawian women and young girls across the country?
I am sending a message that leadership is possible for every girl and woman in Malawi. This nomination is not just about me as Jane Ansah. It is a declaration that women belong in the highest echelons of national decision-making. I am grateful to His Excellency, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for demonstrating that inclusive leadership is not a slogan but a practice. I carry this responsibility with pride and with the hope that many more women will rise to serve.
Section 3: Election preparedness and national unity
8. Malawi is approaching a critical election. What will your role be in the campaign trail, and how do you plan to engage with voters from all regions?
I will be fully engaged across all regions. I intend to listen to citizens, engage community leaders, speak directly to youth and women, and articulate our message of national restoration. My presence on the campaign trail will complement Professor Mutharika’s national agenda and help bring the DPP message to every corner of the country.
9. Some critics argue your past role at MEC during the disputed 2019 elections could raise concerns. How do you respond to that, and what assurance can you give Malawians about your integrity?
I served the Republic of Malawi with honor and within the bounds of the law. The 2019 elections were administered in accordance with the legal framework then in place, and decisions were made in good faith. That chapter is now behind us. What matters today is that Malawi is worse off under the current administration. The economy has collapsed, corruption has deepened, and public institutions are paralyzed. I have joined Professor Mutharika not to defend the past but to help correct the present and offer Malawi a future grounded in integrity, competence, and constitutional order.
10. What strategies are in place to ensure that the DPP ticket appeals not just to loyal supporters but to undecided and first-time voters?
We are focused on the issues that matter to Malawians: the high cost of living, joblessness, food prices, education, health, infrastructure development, and security. Today, a bag of maize costs over MK50,000. How can an ordinary family survive? Youth unemployment is rising, and hope is fading. We are meeting young people not with bribes of MK50,000, as others are doing, but with practical solutions that the DPP government under Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika’s proven leadership will deliver. Ours is a campaign built on truth, not slogans or lies. We offer a clear and credible path to national recovery.
Section 4: Working with Professor Mutharika
11. You’ve worked in independent constitutional offices. What makes you confident in your ability to work closely with Professor Mutharika in a political environment?
I am confident because we share the same foundational values. Professor Mutharika respects institutional processes, human rights as provided in our Bill of Rights, upholds the Constitution, and listens with humility. These are rare and essential qualities in modern leadership. I believe that in such an environment I can contribute effectively and meaningfully to national governance.
12. What is your working relationship like with Professor Mutharika? Have you previously collaborated on national matters?
My closest working relationship with President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika was during his tenure as Minister of Justice while I served as Attorney General. We have both held high constitutional office and have always engaged with mutual respect and professionalism. President Mutharika has consistently demonstrated statesmanship, integrity, and a deep commitment to Malawi. I am confident that our renewed collaboration will be anchored in shared national purpose and *mutual respect, guided solely by the interests of the Malawian people.
13. What unique qualities do you believe you bring to the ticket that will strengthen the DPP’s chances of winning?
I bring credibility, institutional knowledge, a clean public service record, and a fresh appeal across professional, religious, youth, and gender constituencies. I complement Professor Mutharika’s deep experience in governance, and together we represent a serious, competent, and trustworthy leadership team.
Section 5: Women in politics and legacy
14. You are now one of the few women to reach this level of political leadership in Malawi. What challenges have you faced as a woman in leadership, and how have you overcome them?
I have faced many challenges including unfair criticism, gender-based attacks, and institutional resistance. I have overcome them through faith, discipline, focus, and the unwavering belief that leadership must serve, not dominate. I hope my journey gives courage to other women and girls across Malawi to step forward and lead.
15. What legacy do you hope to leave, should you become the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi?
I want to be remembered as a Vice President who contributed to the restoration of dignity to public leadership, championed institutional reform, and supported President Mutharika in rebuilding a Malawi governed by law, justice, and inclusive development. My legacy should be one of service, not self-interest.
16. What message do you have for your critics and for those still undecided about your candidacy?
I understand the doubts, especially in difficult times. But I ask Malawians to look at where we are as a nation. The current administration has failed to deliver. It is time to chart a new course. I do not claim perfection, but I offer integrity, experience, and a firm commitment to serve. I stand with His Excellency, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika because I know he can deliver the leadership Malawi desperately needs. It is A Return to Proven Leadership.
17. In one sentence, what should Malawians remember about Dr. Jane Ansah in this election cycle?
That one Dr. Jane Ansah stood with His Excellency, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika in the 2025 elections to help restore justice and integrity, rebuild the economy, and restore dignity to public leadership when Malawi needed it most.
Conclusion
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Jane Ansah presents herself as a principled, experienced, and purpose-driven leader prepared to help navigate Malawi through one of its most trying chapters. With a legal mind steeped in constitutionalism, a voice for institutional reform, and a commitment to inclusive governance, she positions her candidacy as a critical piece in the DPP’s promise of restoration. Whether welcomed with open arms or met with caution, Dr. Ansah’s entry into the 2025 race is both historic and consequential—signaling not just a return to politics, but a return to purpose.