BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Following the start of the presidential debates on Thursday evening, a strong wave of public reaction has emerged, with Dalitso Kabambe of United Transformation Movement (UTM ) party being singled out by some viewers as the standout performer.
His presentation style, economic clarity, and detailed policy breakdowns are described by many as a demonstration of leadership readiness.
Many Malawians praise Kabambe for his ability to articulate key national issues, simplify complex economic figures, and explain how he plans to fund and implement his campaign promises.
He is particularly noted for being one of the few candidates who explicitly explain where resources would come from to fulfill his manifesto.
“Kabambe is on another level altogether.His mastery of economics and clear vision for Malawi show that he is prepared to lead with both clarity and strategy,” comments one viewer in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, former president Joyce Banda who leads People’s Party (PP ) faces criticism for what some interpret as a continuation of a dependency mindset in her remarks.
Critics argue that her approach reflects a lack of emphasis on self-reliance and sustainable economic planning.
“We cannot continue to live a life of dependency, begging for support 65 years after independence.This same mindset contributed to her being voted out during her tenure. There is no solid economic blueprint in her argument,” says another viewer.
On the other hand,Atupele Muluzi of the United Democratic Front (UDF), is also critiqued by some viewers for his performance.
He is perceived as uncertain and vague, with little in the way of concrete policy proposals.
“I honestly find nothing tangible in his responses.He often seems unsure, even as other candidates explain their policies with confidence,” says another citizen.
Malawians also point to Malawi’s current domestic revenue potential, specifically referencing the Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) reported collection of K4 to K5 trillion annually.
With proper leadership, many believe these resources could be effectively redirected to reduce dependency on foreign aid and drive national development.
“Malawi has money. What we need are leaders who know how to harness our resources and transform the economy,” says another citizen.
The presidential debates are being organized by a task force chaired by MISA-Malawi, with technical support from the National Democratic Institute.
The task force managed similar debates in the 2014 and 2019 elections.
A recent study by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) shows that Malawians value and support the need for the presidential debates.
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