BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika has commended Old Mutual Malawi for its commitment to investing in key sectors, including road infrastructure and tourism.
Speaking at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre on Wednesday following a meeting with an Old Mutual delegation led by Group Chief Executive Officer Tavona Biza, President Mutharika said the discussions focused on policy frameworks and the strategic direction of the partnership between government and the financial services group.
The President emphasised the importance of the private sector’s role in national development, describing their involvement as “commendable.”
He said strong collaboration between government and private players is essential to accelerate growth and deliver services that improve the lives of Malawians.
President Mutharika reaffirmed that his administration is open to Public-Private Partnerships and encouraged other investors to explore opportunities in Malawi.
He cited the conducive environment his government has established to ensure mutual benefits for both investors and the country.
“Government alone cannot do everything. We need partners who are willing to invest in productive sectors that create jobs and build our economy. Old Mutual’s decision to invest is a vote of confidence in Malawi,” Mutharika said.
In response, Old Mutual Group CEO Tavona Biza confirmed that the financial giant is prepared to begin its investments in the tourism and infrastructure sectors. He said Old Mutual sees long-term value in Malawi and is ready to align its investment strategy with national development priorities.
Biza noted that the company is particularly interested in infrastructure projects that unlock economic potential, including road networks that support trade and tourism facilities that can boost foreign exchange earnings.
The meeting at Sanjika Palace forms part of ongoing engagements between the President and private sector leaders aimed at mobilising investment and strengthening economic partnerships.
President Mutharika said his government will continue to streamline policies and improve the ease of doing business to attract more capital into critical sectors.
He called on local and international investors to take advantage of the opportunities available.
Old Mutual is one of the largest financial services groups operating in Malawi, with interests in insurance, investment, and banking. Its move into infrastructure and tourism signals a broadening of its portfolio in the country.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika has ordered nationwide inspections of major bridges after flooding damaged sections of the M001 and M005 roads, cutting transport links in several districts.
Chief Secretary Justin Saidi said in a statement that the Ministry of Transport and Public Works will lead inspections with the Roads Authority, highlighting the government’s proactive approach to addressing the issue.
The Nkhamenya stretch has reopened, and vehicles weighing up to five tons are now able to cross at Mpasadzi, providing some relief to affected areas. Government has set a temporary detour on the Mzuzu–Lilongwe corridor for trucks.
Trucks up to 30 tons, aiming to minimize disruptions to transportation and commerce.
Officials say reinstating the Mpasadzi crossing is a priority, with repairs expected within 24 hours, underscoring the urgency of restoring vital infrastructure.
However, conditions on the M005 remain unclear, as persistent flooding is still preventing engineers from carrying out a full assessment of the affected area, leaving many questions unanswered.
The Roads Authority has assured the public of a speedy reopening of the Salima-Golomoti M005 Road, with a contractor already on site reinstating Lifidzi Bridge, whose approach was washed away by heavy flow of rain water.
Flooding in Malawi has significantly impacted the country’s infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges.
The M001 and M005 roads have been damaged, cutting transport links in several districts and disrupting commerce.
Key impacts include road closures, bridge damage, economic disruption, and access challenges, with essential services like healthcare and education struggling to reach affected areas.
The government is responding with inspections, repairs, and temporary detours.
President Mutharika has ordered nationwide inspections of major bridges to assess damage.
The Roads Authority is working to reinstate damaged bridges and roads, prioritizing critical routes like the Mzuzu-Lilongwe corridor. Temporary detours have been set up to minimize disruptions.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika and Madam Gertrude Mutharika have returned home through Bakili Muluzi International Airport in Blantyre following a private visit to South Africa.
On arrival, the President was welcomed by Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, traditional leaders among other people.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE STATE PRESIDENT PROFESSOR ARTHUR PETER MUTHARIKA
Fellow Malawians,
Today, on 28 April, I want to address you on Coronavirus again. This is a disease that is attacking people of all ages, all social economic statuses, all races and in all countries.
Countries such as the United States of America, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, South Africa and many more are all under attack. Rich and poor nations are all struggling and suffering.
By today, over three million people have been confirmed to have been attacked with Coronavirus globally. More than two hundred thousand people have died. Let me say this: the people who are dying are just like you and me.
The World Health Organization estimates that Coronavirus could infect as many as ten million (10,000,000) people in Africa. In Africa alone, over three hundred thousand people can die.
Here in Malawi, we are now 26 days since we diagnosed our first case on 2nd April. In less than a month, we have confirmed a total of 36 cases. We have 28 active cases because 5 people recovered, and 3 people have died.
Let me continue to offer my condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. May their souls rest in peace.
For those of you who have been confirmed to have Coronavirus, I wish you my best wishes of quick recovery. We are with you in spirit and prayer. Today, it is you, tomorrow it can be anyone of us.
Let me take my turn to thank our medical doctors, nurses and all healthcare workers for your sacrifice to protect us from Coronavirus. Your country will forever be grateful to you.
I want all of you to know that we appreciate the work you do in saving lives. We appreciate your sacrifices. It can only take the spirit of sacrifice, unity and hard work for us to save lives.
Coronavirus is real. Coronavirus is everywhere in every country. We all can see that. Anyone who denies the existence of coronavirus must be sent to the mental hospital or to a lunatic asylum.
Denying the existence of coronavirus is taking a dangerous path that will lead to death of many Malawians. Those politicians who send their people to be denying the existence of coronavirus want many Malawians to die.
For once, only for once, let us be serious and stop politicizing Coronavirus. Let us stop pointing fingers.
I therefore appeal to all Malawians to stop listening to those that are politicizing coronavirus fight in Malawi.
Human life is sacred. Let us respect human life. And let us save lives. Let us fight Coronavirus as a common enemy.
I repeat! Coronavirus is real. And the war against the virus is real.
Since, I declared coronavirus a National Disaster on 20th March 2020, we have implemented various measures to strengthen our preparedness and management of the disease.
We have strengthened surveillance in all our border posts and increased the number of testing facilities to five in all regions of the country. Our target is to open 15 testing centers in the next one month.
We want to reach out to as many Malawians and save as many lives as we can.
At the same time, we have now opened institutional isolation centers and treatment centers in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
So far, we have been treating patients with mild symptoms in their homes. But we will now start taking people to isolation and treatment centers. Our strategy is to trace, test and treat.
On the other front, we are fortifying our institutional capacity to fight Coronavirus. This far:
We have started recruiting new healthcare workers. We should have 2000 new healthcare workers reporting for duties in a week’s time. These are mostly nurses and clinical officers.
In addition, we are also going to recruit 1,500 health surveillance assistants. We want to intensify hygiene in our communities.
We are also acquiring significant amounts of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for our healthcare workers.
In short, we will do everything we can to fight this pandemic. Our strength is not in our resources. Our strength lies in our spirit of unity and resolve to fight!
Let us remember one thing. Coronavirus is a public health and clinical problem. But Coronavirus is also an economic problem. Coronavirus is bringing economic uncertainty and potential suffering to many people. Coronavirus is threatening our businesses and livelihoods.
I know, and I understand that there are many Malawians who are not sure how we will pass through these difficult times. But I assure you we will pass through.
I and the entire Government will do our part. But you must also do your part. Everyone must do their part. Doctors and nurses are doing their part to save us. And everyone, including the courts, churches and everyone must do your part to save Malawi.
On our part, this is what is happening this far:
I and my Cabinet are donating part of our salaries to the fight.
We have reduced fuel prices in order to keep the cost of living low.
We are working with Commercial Banks to make borrowing bearable. Banks are now giving moratorium to loan repayments and restructuring loan facilities of their clients.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi is managing well the liquidity of the Banking Sector and the exchange rate as I directed.
The tobacco market is smoothly operating with enhanced Covid-19 measures as directed.
Imports and exports of strategic commodities are smoothly flowing between our country and neighboring countries to maintain the chain of supply.
We have waived fees and charges on electronic payments.
ADMARC is actively buying produce from farmers at reasonable prices as I directed.
We have raised allowance for healthcare workers.
We have increased MEDF loans to reach out to more people across the country.
We have introduced tax grace and made various tax measures more affordable.
And I am pleased to see churches maintaining the social distance and restricting gatherings.
Coming to the issue of the lockdown, this matter is before the Courts. On our part, we will proceed to do what is necessary to save lives as circumstances warrant. For me, the right to life is supreme above all other rights.
Therefore, we will proceed with the following new measures. Once we have implemented these measures, we are proceeding to restrict movement of people.
Thus, we are introducing an Emergency Cash Transfer Program to serve small scale businesses in and around our major markets in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Zomba and others. This is an extended cash transfer facility to support Malawians who depend on the markets for their survival.
Government will target a minimum of 172,000 households in these areas, representing an estimated 35 percent of the urban population.
Considering family size of around 5 people based on the 2018 Household Census, this will translate to just under a million people who will be reached with this measure.
The program will be implemented for a period of six months translating into 3 months of response and 3 months of recovery. Each identified household will be paid electronically through mobile payments K35,000 per month and the amount is based on the prevailing Government minimum wage rate.
I have, therefore, directed the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Ministry of Population and Social Welfare to devise an implementation process which will include registration of households in the hotspot areas and its immediate implementation beginning the month of May 2020.
In addition to Emergency Cash Transfers in the peri-urban areas, my Government will also provide cash top-up to existing beneficiaries of Mtukula Pakhomo Program in all the 28 Districts.
This will strengthen livelihood interventions aimed at minimizing negative coping mechanisms for the poor. Details on implementation of these interventions will be announced shortly.
I want once again to thank the Development Partners, the Private Sector and many others for your support and standing with us as a country.
Lastly, I direct Government to restructure what we have so far called the Cabinet Committee on Coronavirus.
From now, it will now be called the Presidential Taskforce on Coronavirus. This Taskforce will be co-chaired by a Cabinet Minister and a Professor in Public Health. The Taskforce will directly report to me.
Below Presidential Taskforce, there remain various technical committees which include various professionals and sectors from both the public and private sectors.
But I want to thank professors and doctors from the University of Malawi who have accepted to sit on the Presidential Taskforce.
I am equally grateful to the Christian Health Association (CHAM) for accepting to be part of the Taskforce to represent health services in the private sector.
I also want to thank Honourable Lobin Lowe, Leader of the Opposition, who has kindly accepted to be part of the Taskforce on behalf of Opposition parties.
I thank the Chairperson of the Public Affairs Committee for accepting to be part of the Taskforce on behalf of faith organisations.
I want to thank the Chiefs Council for delegating a senior chief to be part of the Taskforce and represent chiefs across the country.
More sectors including the CSO sector will be represented.
The complete Taskforce will soon be announced by the OPC.
In conclusion, I call upon all Malawians for us to unite and fight Coronavirus. Together, let us save lives.
My advice remains: stay home, stay safe.
Coronavirus ndi Matenda oopsya Kambwiri. Tiyeni Tonse tigwirizane, tigonjetse Matenda a Coronavirus. Tiyeni tipulumutse moyo.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your ways. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil. It shall be health to your navel and marrow to your bones. – Proverbs 3:5-8
Following a prayer session at Kamuzu Palace on Thursday, April 2, 2020, Malawi President, speaking for the first time to the nation on the global pandemic, announced that three people tested positive in the country. They are an Indian woman, who returned from India a relative in the house, and her housemaid.
The President announced that the three cases are being managed by health personnel. Mutharika, who has since declared through a press release, that the country is in a National Disaster, advises Malawians to adhere to preventive measures as the disease is preventable. He has called upon Malawians not to panic. While not declaring any measures of a lockdown Mutharika said he will be addressing the nation again in due course to announce further measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
After 26 years of democratic rule in Malawi, the soul of the Malawi nation cries out for genuine leadership. In the midst of the global pandemic that knows no border, spares none as it is not a respecter of any person (Lord excuse my indulgence), President Mutharika’s press release that declared the national disaster, swiftly led to a variety of preventative measures, including the closure of all schools and universities since March 23. As appreciable as the presidential directive in these challenging times were, Mutharika chose not to speak to the Malawi people on the deadly virus from the beginning of the scare in Malawi. The virus has no known treatment or vaccine. He had also not shown that he was taking part in any other directory function on the matter.
But as Bill Gates advises countries like those in “Southern Africa must act quickly” in finding measures to stop the spread of the virus in their countries. Gates was speaking in an interview with South African comedian Trevor Noah, who hosts the popular US late-night show, The Daily Show.
Getting prepared appears to many Malawians as jumping the gun, with many people taking matters with business as usual style, and a president that chose to hibernate from his people for two weeks since announcing the disaster; the figures of the coronavirus cases in the United States should rocket into space Malawi’s prep gears. On March 1, 2020, the US had an alarming 89 cases; at March 31, the cases scaled to a staggering 186,259 cases and 5,000+ dead, and by April 2, 2020, the US figures were243,134 cases with 5,864 deaths. The country has gone on auto-pilot lock-down with 45 states ordering the people to stay home, while medicines, medical equipment such as ventilators, protective gear (masks and gloves) are running low as bed space dwindles.
If one asks why the concern with the US when discussing the virus in Malawi that has three cases (be aware that only 29 people thus far have been tested), the response is that the leaders of these countries, with vastly wide margins of financial viabilities, appear to be playing from similar playbooks. Although to be fair, President Trump has been speaking to Americans since the first case in January, albeit while he dilly-dallies, politicks, and use the briefings to jab at his political opponents. Additionally, like Malawi, the US in 2020, has a Presidential election.
Thus, APM took time from his busy schedule of electioneering, to invite Malawians to prayers for the virus at Kamuzu Palace and then make his first televised briefly to the Malawi nation. Understandably members of the opposition, including Malawi Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and MCP President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi former President Dr. Joyce Banda and others did not attend.
As the nation waited in fear of the entry into its borders of the deadly virus, Mutharika has been sticking his tongue out at the Constitutional Court order, refusing to sign four Parliamentary bills, retaining what both the Court and Parliament labeled as incompetent, while rebuffing the citizens by refusing to fire the inept and fraudulent Malawi Electoral Commission machinery and appoints inapt people to the Malawi Registration Bureau. Allegedly, the MRB is registering minors.
One thinks perhaps the President’s all quiet on the hot seat is due to his having no mandate to be there. He has 150 days to hold elections (from February 3, 2020). But despite his bandwagon of election robbers at the Malawi Electoral Commission, being given votes of no confidence by two of the three arms of government (judiciary and the parliament), the President and his compromised MEC, continue in “business as usual” mode, with MEC setting an unrealistic election date that is too close to Malawi’s National Day (July 6).
Clearly, Bwana APM, with all the machinations spelled out in the letter Malawi youth wrote you this week, you are found lacking in characteristics of a true leader. Your mandate to govern Malawi ended in May 2019. As you locked yourself at Kamuzu’s Palace, a mighty dynamic duo has risen in Malawi: aka the MCP and the UTM, giving rise to the creation of an election alliance. Out of the two, will come a presidential candidate that will compete against you.
As I am an educator by nature (journalist or teacher, we are in the habit of supplying information and knowledge to educate), please permit a brief outline of what characteristically speaking, a true leader looks like.
1. He or she talks to the people. Often.
2. Speaks with authority. Conviction to govern with love mingled with heaps of integrity.
3. Speaks on all issues affecting the nation, not just what will keep him/her and cronies in office. A true nationalist at heart.
4. Fixes broken roads so people have safe paths to travel on, builds schools and hospitals. Love and empathy.
5. Protects the provisions of the constitution. Never ravaging or selfishly twisting it for self-service.
In the spirit of #BomaLathu, the governors lookout for the governed. Because the art of governing is a social contract, leadership positions are held in trust, and executed on behalf of stakeholders, aka voters or citizens. It is through an approved or highly regulated fundraising process, called levying taxes, from whence the leaders’ salaries, livelihoods, and government business is maintained. On behalf of the governed.
In APM’s government, the link between governed and governors is broken, irreparably.
Looking at the refreshing lineup in the MCP UTM Electoral Alliance, I see two Giants scooped from the Crème de la Crème of Leadership Circuits. In the wake of the pandemic, Chilima made a video demonstrating handwashing to prevent the spread of the virus; barely two days later, Chakwera held a televised press conference that spoke about almost everything that is preying on Malawians’ minds.
These ranged from the criminals that are stealing national IDs from Malawians in UTM and MCP strongholds in the central and northern regions; APM’s lack of respect for constitutional provisions and the ConCourt order or parliament, the use of foreigners to disrupt Malawi’s election process, State House spying on Malawians, failure to dismiss the MEC leadership, failure to protect Malawi borders from people from coronavirus-prone countries entering.
The end of the conference was uplifting as Chakwera assures Malawians “do not be afraid. God is with us all.”
For now, to APM, I advise, please get rid of the MEC; it is illegally preparing the rerun of an election after it dismally failed and fraudulently store the last elections. Unlike the US, Malawi does not have money for this kind of failed leadership in its election process.
On the health and economic issue of the COVID-19 entering in Malawi, perhaps you’ll listen to Bill Gates and set up a proper preparedness machinery that has more than just your ministers. The members of the opposition, the media, medical personnel, captains in the private sector, banking sector, women and youth, small and medium business sector, the international community, faith organizations.
Hold weekly broadcast and televised briefings to the nation, together with reps from the sectors outlined above.
Facing and fighting this pandemic, will require the participation of all these groups. You cannot commandeer this while fighting battles in court; it would be wise to drop the case, reconstitute the Electoral commission that will set a realist date.
The coronavirus is real, deadly, and is not selective. Championing it requires the now-famous clichés, “We’re in it together” and wishing every person “Stay well, stay safe, stay healthy.”
JOHANNESBURG-(MaraviPost)-Malawi President Peter Mutharika is reportedly preparing a retirement home across the Zambezi River, in South Africa.
Mutharika has sent a team of officials to South Africa with the purpose of selling ten Malawi government houses.
According to Country Star News Online (CSNO) who opted for a condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said some of the ten houses which are to be sold are the ones which are being used to accommodate patients and guardians referred to various hospitals in Johannesburg.
“It is painful that government has sent this team only to dispose of some these houses houses when it is already on record that it is the state president who wants them,” he said.
Some of the houses which are being used to accommodate government officials on duty in Johannesburg haven’t been spared in this clearance sale.
The source further said officials from the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC), Department of Lands and Foreign Affairs are being led by former health attache, Dr Fosiko now the Director of Health.
Commenting on the development the Executive Director of Church and Society in the CCAP Church, Synod of Livingstonia Moses Mkandawire described the move as very unfortunate.
“At the moment I don’t have the details about the the issue, but if it is true then that must be very unfortunate, and as Malawians we need to look at the rationale behind the sale of such property an it’s implications,” Mkandawire said.
Presidential Press Officer, Mgeme Kalirani could not be reached on his mobile phone to comment on the matter, as we went to press.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was very vocal when Joyce Banda ordered the sale of the presidential jet.
And this is not the first time when top government officials dispose off and acquire government houses at the cheapest price whose proceeds cold not even be enough to procure drugs for one health centre.
A few months ago government of Malawi has spent more than MK300 million to renovate the walls and gate of the houses which are listed for sale.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi President Peter Mutharika attendance to this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States of America (USA) is in limbo amid political tension as a result of the disputed May 21 polls.
Security sources are said to have advised Mutharika ‘not to leave the country’ anytime soon as tension is still high.
“Mutharika will not be attending this year’s UNGA, instead Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Kasaila will represent him. He cannot afford to leave the country, it is very risky,” said one of Mutharika’s aides who did not want to be named.
Other sources said Mutharika is reacting to an intelligence reports that other people planned to block him from returning to Malawi from UNGA until the elections case was resolved.
“He is not taking risks. He is not going to UNGA this year. Even his Vice President Everton Chimulirenji is staying put,” insisted the aide.
Insiders said Mutharika was given the same security advice when he skipped an important USA-Africa Investment summit in Mozambique, just a few days after his controversial May 21 elections win.
The Malawi leader sent his Vice President Chimulirenji to represent him instead.
“This plan of forcing Mutharika to stay out of the country is real and looks like it has some blessings of some military bosses and Mutharika is aware that anything can happen and that is why he is not taking any chances,” said a high placed military source.
There was no official response from presidential press secretary Mgeme Kalirani on the matter.
Lately President Mutharika has been running scared seeking comfort of heavily armed military personnel and changing to ‘safer routes’ especially when he is entering the volatile capital city Lilongwe.
Mutharika has been on record that he ‘does not fear anyone’ but has locked himself in highly secured State Houses in Mangochi, Blantyre and Lilongwe since elections.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-One of the country’s renown clergy, Reverend Zacc Kawalala of World Alive Ministries on Saturday advised Malawi President Peter Mutharika not to dismiss the elections case under way in court/
Reverend Kawalala said that there is no need to dismiss petitions of UTM party President Saulos Chilima and Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) challenging results of the presidential race.
The man of God argued that justice be prevailed if indeed rigging to place for the just ended May 21 polls.
Kawawa comments comes a barely days after President Mutharika petitioned the court to dismiss the case.
The court on Wednesday this week will make it preliminary ruling on the case after both MCP and UTM submitted substantial evidence against Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)’s presidential results.
The parties are pushing for re-run over numerous irregularities that marred the polls.
Mutharika and Uladi Mussa in Salima campaign trail
By Watson Maingo
Malawi President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday lambasted people who circulated on social media that he was dead.
President Mutharika described such people as failures. He said instead, it will be opposition leaders who will be dead next week by failing in the presidential election.
“They know that they will not win the presidential election and they were busy mongering that I was dead so that you should not vote for me. They are the ones who will be dead next week after the elections,”can said Mutharika to a resounding applause in Salima during a whistle stop tour.
The tour took him to Salima, Boma, Katelera and Ngodzi Trading Centres.
Mutharika said he was fine and well and that he is certain that Malawians will vote for him in large numbers.
“During the last elections you only gave me Presidential vote but in these coming elections I want you to even vote for DPP MPs so that we can have all the five seats,” said Mutharika.
He assured the people that he will continue with the the development projects and introduce new ones too after winning the elections.
“We want to do more projects such as upgrading district roads, the Kamuzu road market and the district hospital and other key infrastructure,” said Mutharika.
“I will build 200 new secondary schools seven in each district, 193 Community Colleges one for each constituency,” he said.
He told the people not to vote for opposition parties especially UTM and Malawi Congress Party.
“MCP is a very cruel party and you should not dare to vote for them back into power,” said Mutharika.
He instructed the Malawi Police Service to deliver a vehicle to Salima Police by Wednesday following a request fron Senior Chief Kalonga.
Speaking earlier DPP Vice President for the Centre Uladi Mussa said that DPP is going to grab 40 seats in the central region after the elections.
“People are excited with DPP because it has fulfilled its promises. No one has died of hunger,” said Mussa Minister of Justice and
Constitutional Affairs and parliamentary candidate for Salima central constituency, Samuel Tembenu said the
construction of a Community Technical College and the upgrading of Salima technical College
are some landmark developments that have taken place under the DPP regime.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi President Peter Mutharika on Wednesday dissolved the cabinet just seven days before the nation goes to polls on May 21.
President Mutharika has dissolved the cabinet in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by Section 95 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, dissolved the Cabinet with effect from May 15, 2019.
In a press statement signed by Chief Secretary to government, Lloyd Muhara and made available to The Maravi Post, says “Following the dissolution of Cabinet and until the appointment of a new Cabinet, all Ministerial powers, functions and responsibilities shall vest in and be exercised by His Excellency the President.”
The statement further said “all queries or matters should be directed to the Office of the President and Cabinet.”
However two of the country’s well-known political analysts have hailed President Peter Mutharika for maintaining a lean Cabinet since he took over the reins of power five years ago, saying the stint has saved Malawi’s fragile economy billions of taxpayers’ resources.
George Phiri, of the University of Livingstonia and Professor Mustapha Hussein of Chancellor College heaped praise on Mutharika for not being “extravagant” with his cabinet.
During his campaign, prior to his May 2014 election as state president, Mutharika had promised maintaining a lean cabinet as one of his measures to control government expenditure.
The DPP has three main rivals in this election—Malawi Congress Party (MCP), which is in alliance with former president Joyce Banda’s People’s Party (PP) and Freedom Party (PP), Vice-President Saulos Chilima’s UTM and the United Democratic Front which has Minister of Health Atupele Muluzi as its torchbearer.
In 2014, DPP made a 36.4 percent surprise presidential votes win from the opposition, beating incumbent president Joyce Banda whose People’s Party (PP) came third. MCP came second, with a difference of about 400 000 votes.
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