By Burnett Munthali
Joseph Mwanamvekha, Vice President of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has declared that Malawians are fed up with President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership, which he described as riddled with empty promises and a lack of tangible solutions to the country’s economic problems.
Speaking at a rally held at Ferries Ground in BCA, Blantyre, Mwanamvekha praised DPP President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) as a seasoned leader with proven governance experience and a deep understanding of economic management.
He emphasized that Mutharika successfully stabilized the country’s economy between 2014 and 2020, a period he described as far more prosperous compared to the current economic crisis facing Malawians.
Mwanamvekha blamed the prevailing economic hardships on what he called Chakwera’s failed leadership and lack of vision, arguing that Malawians have been misled by the administration’s unrealistic campaign promises.
He cited Chakwera’s unfulfilled 2020 pledges, including reducing the price of fertilizer to K4,995 per bag, providing cash allowances to elderly citizens, and completing the Orton Chirwa International Airport project, all of which, he said, have turned into “blue lies and pipe dreams.”
Mwanamvekha further dismissed recent Malawi Congress Party (MCP) promises, such as the plan to give K500,000 to parents for every newborn child, calling it impractical and dangerous for the country’s population growth.
“Where on earth can a State President bring a childbearing competition? It would bring overpopulation and negatively impact people’s livelihoods,” Mwanamvekha said, urging citizens not to fall for such unrealistic pledges.
He called on Malawians to vote decisively in the upcoming elections to remove Chakwera and his administration, accusing them of betraying the trust of the people.
Mwanamvekha expressed strong optimism that APM and the DPP would win the forthcoming elections, with economic recovery and stability set to be Mutharika’s top priority.
Addressing the crowd earlier, Alliance for Democracy (Aford) leader Jeremiah Chihana echoed Mwanamvekha’s sentiments, stating that supporting the DPP presidential candidate is crucial to rescuing Malawians from the suffering inflicted by Chakwera’s government.
The rally attracted senior DPP officials, including National Organizing Secretary and area MP Sameer Suleman, Charles Mchacha, Themba Mkandawire, Noel Lipipa, Francis Mphepo, Maria Mainja, and Blantyre Mayor Joseph Makwinja, among others.
The event drew hundreds of thousands of supporters from various parts of the country, showcasing the DPP’s growing momentum ahead of the September elections.
