By Burnett Munthali
To abandon or not to abandon the system?
That is the question bothering some people as the country gears up for the September 16, 2025 General Election.
Malawi stands at a defining moment, with increasing calls from different sections of society to critically evaluate whether the current political system continues to serve the interests of the nation.
For many, the post-2020 period—characterised by a shift in power, promises of reform, and a wave of public expectations—has not yielded the structural transformation they hoped for.
Citizens who once rallied behind political alliances with renewed hope now express growing disillusionment with the lack of progress, transparency, and accountability in governance.
This disenchantment is prompting a deeper national debate about whether Malawi should maintain the existing system or pursue radical reforms, including constitutional or electoral overhauls.
While some believe that the system is fundamentally flawed and incapable of delivering meaningful change, others argue that the problem lies not in the system itself, but in the people trusted to run it.
Those advocating for abandonment of the current model cite persistent poverty, corruption, selective justice, and unfulfilled promises as symptoms of a structure that is not working.
They argue that piecemeal adjustments are no longer sufficient and call for bold, transformative action to dismantle the system and rebuild institutions that are truly people-centered.
On the other hand, defenders of the current system caution against drastic moves that may lead to instability, urging Malawians to focus instead on civic education, leadership change, and institutional strengthening.
They emphasize that the Constitution and democratic institutions have the potential to work effectively—if only the right leaders are put in place and held accountable.
At the heart of this debate is a broader existential question: what kind of democracy does Malawi want, and what price is it willing to pay to achieve it?
The road to the September 16 polls is not just a countdown to an election, but a journey through the soul of a nation asking itself difficult questions about its identity and future.
As citizens prepare to cast their votes, they do so with a deep awareness that the choice before them is not just between parties or candidates, but between visions of Malawi’s tomorrow.
In this critical hour, the nation must decide whether to salvage what can be repaired or to bravely chart a new course for the generations to come.
