As Malawi moves closer to the 2025 presidential elections, the nation finds itself at a critical juncture between continuity and change.
At the center of this national conversation is President Lazarus Chakwera, whose first term has been marked by both commendable reforms and persistent criticism.
The key question now is whether President Chakwera is offering a continuation of good governance or signaling a major shift in leadership priorities and style.
When President Chakwera took office in 2020, he carried the weight of public expectation for transformational leadership and the promise of a new Malawi.
He came into power riding a wave of optimism following the historic court-ordered fresh elections, which were seen as a triumph for democracy.
In his early months, Chakwera preached servant leadership, anti-corruption, and institutional reform, promising to move the country away from a history of executive abuse and political impunity.
Many Malawians were hopeful that the Tonse Alliance, under his leadership, would deliver economic relief, public sector discipline, and responsive governance.
However, midway through his presidency, frustrations began to emerge as economic hardships deepened, public confidence waned, and internal alliance cracks widened.
While President Chakwera has maintained his rhetoric on governance and accountability, many critics argue that his administration has not matched words with action.
For instance, despite establishing the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and leading a transparent vaccine rollout, the government faced backlash for procurement scandals and delayed aid distribution.
On the economy, inflation and the rising cost of living have persisted under his watch, making life harder for ordinary Malawians.
As of March 2025, Malawi’s year-on-year inflation stood at 27.5%, with the kwacha depreciating against the US dollar and pushing basic commodity prices beyond the reach of many families.
Though he boasts of road projects and diplomatic engagements, many citizens still question the real impact of these efforts on rural livelihoods and job creation.
His frequent foreign trips have also become a controversial issue, with critics accusing him of wasting public funds while economic indicators worsen at home.
In a December 2024 social media post, a respected Malawian economic analyst stated: “A Toyota Prado worth MWK 333 million during a currency crisis is a reflection of insensitivity to national suffering.”
This raises the concern: is President Chakwera’s leadership still anchored in the ideals of servant leadership, or has it morphed into a status quo presidency?
Supporters argue that the president has remained consistent in promoting constitutionalism, giving space to institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the judiciary to operate independently.
They highlight his refusal to shield certain ministers and officials who faced legal trouble, a move interpreted as a break from the old tradition of political protectionism.
For example, his decision to let the ACB investigate former Minister of Lands, despite political backlash, was seen as a sign of non-interference in the rule of law.
On the other hand, skeptics believe that his slow decision-making, loyalty to underperforming allies, and reluctance to reshuffle his cabinet demonstrate a failure to act decisively.
One political science lecturer at the University of Malawi, who requested anonymity, said: “Chakwera has the vision, but his execution has been handicapped by indecision and internal political debts.”
Furthermore, the Tonse Alliance itself—once seen as a unifying front—has largely lost momentum, with key partners accusing the MCP of dominating and sidelining others.
This has fueled public speculation that Chakwera’s 2025 bid may no longer represent broad-based change, but a continuation of elite-driven politics under a different name.
Adding to the concerns about governance is the growing pattern of state-sponsored political violence, which has sparked outrage among democracy advocates and opposition parties.
During the recent demonstrations, organized to challenge the procurement process of the 2025 election technology provider, there were reported cases of intimidation and violence against protestors allegedly by ruling party sympathizers.
In Mponela, political violence erupted against supporters of both the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and AFORD, with vehicles stoned and gatherings disrupted, raising alarms about the shrinking democratic space.
In Mchesi, AFORD president Enock Chihana was targeted in an incident of politically motivated aggression, highlighting the rising hostility opposition leaders face.
A DPP convoy traveling through Mponela was also attacked, with a minibus stoned and damaged, endangering lives and reinforcing fears of political retribution against dissenting voices.
At Mbowe Filling Station in Lilongwe, another DPP-linked incident was recorded where a group of youths allegedly affiliated with the ruling party blocked and harassed opposition members during a routine stop.
Such acts of violence contradict the president’s promise to uphold democracy and peaceful political competition and further taint his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Voters must now decide whether his leadership style still embodies the promise of a “New Malawi” or has quietly shifted into defending incumbency.
The 2025 elections will therefore be a referendum not just on Chakwera’s track record, but on the national appetite for continuity versus the demand for renewal.
Is President Chakwera running to complete an unfinished reform agenda, or simply extending his time in office without the will to transform governance meaningfully?
His campaign narrative in the coming months will have to answer this pressing question with clarity, honesty, and substance.
Ultimately, the Malawian people will choose whether to continue the current path with faith in slow but stable reform, or to seek a new direction under a different torchbearer.
In summary, President Chakwera’s leadership has been both praised for institutional independence and criticized for lack of bold decisions, economic mismanagement, and increasing political intolerance.
With inflation soaring, alliance fragmentation, reports of government-sponsored political violence, and growing public frustration, the upcoming elections will test whether Malawians still believe in his promise of a “New Malawi” or if they are ready for fresh leadership.
The choice lies in balancing legacy with the demand for impactful change.
