By Jones Gadama

Former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has dismissed attempts to bar him from politics using the age bill, calling it a failed attempt.

Mutharika, who served as Malawi’s President from 2014 to 2020, expressed confidence that the plot would not succeed, stating that President Lazarus Chakwera is aware that he is “parking with his fellow thieves”.

Mutharika’s statement suggests that he is not intimidated by the MCP’s efforts to use the age bill to disqualify him from politics.

The age bill, which seeks to limit the eligibility of presidential candidates based on age, has been widely seen as a targeted attempt to bar Mutharika from running in September’s elections.

The former President also took aim at the MCP, accusing them of stealing from Malawians.

He vowed that justice would be served, stating that all stolen money would be recovered from the “MCP thieves” without resorting to witch-hunting.

This statement is likely to be seen as a warning shot across the bow of the MCP, which has faced numerous corruption allegations since taking office.

Mutharika’s confidence in the face of the MCP’s plot may be rooted in his own experience as a seasoned politician.

With a career spanning over four decades, Mutharika has navigated the complexities of Malawian politics with ease.

His tenure as President was marked by significant economic and infrastructure development, although it was also marred by corruption allegations and controversy surrounding the 2019 elections.

The MCP’s attempts to use the age bill to disqualify Mutharika may be seen as a desperate attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of September elections.

However, Mutharika’s statement suggests that he remains a force to be reckoned with in Malawian politics.

As the country gears up for the 2025 elections, the battle lines are already being drawn.

Mutharika’s declaration that he will not be intimidated by the MCP’s plots is likely to galvanize his supporters and send a warning to his opponents.

With his experience, reputation, and determination, Mutharika remains a formidable opponent in Malawian politics.

Mutharika’s dismissal of the MCP’s age bill plot is a clear indication that he is not going to let the MCP dictate his political future.

With his eyes firmly fixed on the 2025 elections, Mutharika is likely to remain a major player in Malawian politics for years to come.