President of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Presidential Candidate for the 2025 Elections
By Burnett Munthali
Fellow Malawians,
I stand before you today not only as a former president or leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), but as a fellow citizen who shares your struggles, frustrations, and aspirations. This is not merely an address; it is a heartfelt plea for unity and a call to action for all Malawians who desire real change and progress for our beloved nation.
I understand the pain and despair that so many of you feel. Across the country, Malawians are struggling, burdened by hunger, economic hardships, and a lack of hope for the future. Leadership has failed you, and the current state of our nation is a result of a visionless administration. Malawi stands at a critical crossroads, and it is time for decisive leadership that prioritizes the people above all else.
Today, I wish to address three key issues affecting our country: the hunger crisis, the economic collapse, and the threats to our democracy and freedoms. These are issues that demand urgent attention and bold action.
Hunger Crisis
Hunger is ravaging our nation, especially in rural communities where families are forced to survive on wild foods like zikhawo and chitedze. Between October 2024 and March 2025, it is estimated that 5.7 million Malawians—28% of the population—will face acute food insecurity. This is the worst food crisis Malawi has seen in a decade, and it is not just a statistic; it is a stark failure of governance. Today, four out of every ten children in Malawi suffer from stunting due to chronic malnutrition.
The promise of “three meals a day” made by the current leadership has proven to be an empty one. Instead, families are left to endure hunger and hopelessness. The Affordable Input Program (AIP), once seen as a beacon of hope, has become a symbol of corruption and incompetence. The infamous “butchery fertilizer deal” is a stain on the current administration’s record, and the exorbitant price of fertilizer, now at MK119,000 per bag, has made farming impossible for many Malawians.
Contrast this with the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP), which provided affordable inputs and achieved food security for the nation. Under my administration, hunger was eradicated because we prioritized farmers and ensured that they had access to affordable and reliable inputs. With competent leadership, we can once again restore food security and bring dignity back to the lives of Malawians.
Economic Collapse
The economic situation in Malawi is dire. Prices of basic necessities have skyrocketed, forex shortages are crippling businesses, and fuel shortages have paralyzed the nation. Families can no longer afford essentials like maize, salt, and cooking oil, while businesses are shutting down due to the lack of foreign exchange.
Unemployment, particularly among the youth, is at an all-time high. I hear the stories of graduates, like the young engineer in Blantyre who is forced to sell goods on the streets to survive. Such stories reflect the daily struggles of countless Malawians caught in an economic system that has failed them.
Under my administration, we stabilized the economy, made basic commodities affordable, and created opportunities for businesses and young people to thrive. It is time to restore economic stability, revive businesses, and ensure that every Malawian can live with dignity.
Threats to Democracy and Freedoms
I am deeply concerned about the erosion of democracy and freedoms in Malawi. This government has turned Malawi into a police state, where citizens live in fear of arbitrary arrests, journalists are detained for exposing corruption, and peaceful demonstrators are met with tear gas. Opposition members are targeted, and trust in institutions has been destroyed.
Three days ago, during a peaceful gathering, members of the DPP were teargassed, and Honorable Brenda Banda was shot. She now lies in a hospital bed, a victim of government oppression. Such acts are not governance; they are tyranny. Democracy cannot thrive in an environment of fear and intimidation.
The voter registration process, managed by the National Registration Bureau (NRB) and the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), has been marred by logistical failures that disenfranchise Malawians. Deliberate attempts to suppress votes cannot be ignored. The DPP is committed to safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming elections. We will ensure that every vote is counted and every Malawian can exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear.
A Call to Action
Malawians, our democracy, economy, and food security are under threat, but we have the power to change this. On Tuesday, 16 September 2025, we have the opportunity to reclaim our nation and restore hope, dignity, and progress.
To the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), let this be a warning: your incompetence and corruption have pushed Malawians to the brink, and they will no longer remain silent. To my fellow Malawians, let us rise together and demand accountability from our leaders.
The Democratic Progressive Party is ready to lead Malawi out of this crisis. Together, we will restore food security, stabilize the economy, and protect our democracy. Let us stand united, cast our votes, and reclaim the Malawi we deserve.
May God bless you all, and may God bless the Republic of Malawi.
Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika
President of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
