The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is facing significant public criticism for its official decision to boycott all presidential election debates. The party has confirmed that its leader, President Peter Mutharika, and his running mate will not participate in any such forums, a move many Malawians perceive as an attempt to evade public scrutiny and accountability.
The party’s position was firmly stated by its spokesman, Shadre Namalomba, in a post on his official Facebook page. He wrote, “Regarding Presidential debates! Kindly note that the DPP’s official position regarding participation in any presidential debates is that WE DONT. Our President and his running mate cannot and will not.” This unequivocal declaration has sparked a strong backlash from a broad cross-section of the populace.
Mutharika
The criticism is not only coming from opposition supporters but also from within the DPP’s own ranks. One apparent party supporter responded directly to Namalomba’s post, writing, “I am a supporter of DPP, I am against your position because it is archaic, undemocratic and cowardly. Voters must be given a chance to hear and evaluate your development agenda with that of other political parties. Muuzane.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among voters who see debates as a crucial democratic tool for evaluating candidates and their policies ahead of the polls.
Fast-rising Malawian singer Qaso has finally released the highly anticipated song ‘Mbali Yakuno’ which has already started making waves across the country.
The song which was released on Wednesday morning, has come out along with a beautiful music video which has been directed by Kante.
Prior to the release of the new song, the singer dropped a snippet of the song on TikTok which has so far been shared by hundreds of his followers.
Qaso, real name Rex Abraham came in the limelight in 2023 when he released a song titled ‘Ukamadzachoka’ which enjoyed massive airplay in different media platforms.
Apart from Ukumadzachoka, the musician is also known by songs like Chigoba, Yele and One Day.
Formerly known as J Recks, Qaso was also featured in Emmie Deebo’s most popular song ‘Changa’.
You can watch Qaso’s brand new song ‘Mbali Yakuno’ by following the link below
A renowned human rights activist, public policy and governance advocate, known for promoting human rights, democracy, inclusive politics, and reforms in Malawi Undule Mwakasungula has commended President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for honouring former Presidents through renaming of public infrastructure into their names.
For the starters , on 18th August, 2025, President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera made the decision to rename some of Malawi’s public infrastructure in honour of former Presidents namely Dr Bakili Muluzi, Joyce Banda and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Undule said this is complete resolute for unity.
“This move, in my opinion, is not only symbolic but also deeply important for our nation as it speaks to unity, reconciliation, respect for history, and true leadership. It shows that the President is a leader who values every contribution made by those who came before him, regardless of political differences,” he said.
He said, this gesture demonstrates that President Chakwera has no grudges against his predecessors.
“Instead, he recognises that each former President, despite their shortcomings or controversies, played a role in building Malawi into what it is today. He has shown statesmanship by holding no bitterness toward those who led before him. In a Malawi political environment where grudges and divisions are common, this decision stands out as a clear message that leadership should be about healing the past and uniting the present,” he said.
Undule said , some people have been quick to assume that this decision is political, especially since Malawi is now in campaign period ahead of 16 September elections.
He said in truth, there is nothing political about this move. If anything, it is a statement that goes beyond party politics and campaign strategies.
“It is about respect, maturity, and the recognition of service. The renaming of infrastructure honours leaders across the political divide, not just those from one side. This makes it clear that the President’s action is not meant to score political points, but to send a message of unity and reconciliation at a time when the country needs it most,” he said.
Mwakasungula said, in our political, history, we have often seen politics being used to settle scores or discredit the achievements of those who came before citing the Bakili and Bingu bitter fight that costed millions of tax payers until President Chakwera intervened, Peter Mutharika and Joyce Banda grudges.
“Too often, our leaders have been remembered only for their weaknesses and mistakes, while their positive contributions are overlooked. Therefore, in renaming the infrastructures after our former Presidents, Chakwera is making an important statement that leadership is a relay, not a competition. Every leader takes the baton from their predecessor, runs their race, and passes it on. This acknowledgment builds continuity and strengthens our democracy,” said.
Another Political Analyst Ceasar Kondowe has vehemently concurred with Undule while commending Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera decision to honor former Presidents.
This follows Chakwera decision to name Chileka Airport after the former President Bakili Muluzi as now it will called “Bakili Muluzi International Airport” and the bypass road in Lilongwe now to be called “Joyce Banda Highway” as well as Area 18 Interchange in Lilongwe to be called “Arthur Peter Mutharika Interchange”.
“The decision of the President of Republic of Malawi Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is highly commended, this is patriotic and unifying decision, to rename some of the roads and Airport for the former Presidents is quite much encouraging to all citizens of Malawi, people might have different opinions on the matter but I think the President has the heart of recognizing the achievements of other people this is what is needed,” he said.
He added that when a President is rulling the country has to take the leading role of appreciating other people’s work despite political differences.
Crerk Sporting Club has confirmed the departure of midfielder Issac Msiska, just seven months after joining the team.
In a special statement released on Monday, the club revealed that Msiska, who was signed in January this year from Mzuzu City Hammers, has parted ways with the team following mutual discussions between both parties to terminate his contract.
Contract terminated- Issac Msiska
During his short spell with Crerk, Msiska played a vital role in strengthening the midfield and was praised for his work rate, commitment, and professionalism on and off the pitch.
The club expressed its gratitude for the player’s contribution, describing him as a hardworking and disciplined footballer who gave his best whenever called upon.
“Crerk Sporting Club would like to sincerely thank Issac Msiska for his dedication and service to the team,”statement explained.
“We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” reads part of the statement.
Msiska’s next destination has not yet been revealed, but sources suggest that several top flight clubs are already monitoring his availability.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has announced that its leader, Peter Mutharika, will start holding campaign rallies in different parts of the country at the end of this week.
Although the official campaign period started earlier this month, Mutharika has so far not been personally involved in the rallies that other party leaders have been holding across the country.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, who also speaks on behalf of Mutharika, said the former president will begin his rallies in the Northern Region this coming weekend.
“We will release the full program of all the rallies by today,” said Namalomba.
Recently, questions have been raised about why Mutharika has not been holding political rallies while leaders of other parties have been actively engaging the public.
In a separate interview, political commentator George Chaima observed that although opinion polls have suggested Mutharika as the frontrunner in this year’s presidential race, it is still not right for him to avoid holding rallies, arguing that such gatherings are crucial for strengthening people’s confidence in their leader.
On his part, another political analyst, Wonderful Mkhutche, said Mutharika’s delay in launching campaign rallies was not unusual, noting that even in previous elections he did not hold many rallies.
However, he stressed that conducting rallies during campaign periods is important as they give people the opportunity to understand their leader’s policies and make informed decisions about whom to vote for.
Mutharika and his DPP got booted out of government in a court sanctioned presidential poll in June 2020.
