By Twink Jones Gadama
In a move seen as a strategic effort to woo the Muslim community ahead of the 2025 presidential elections, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader and Malawi’s prospective President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, met with Muslim leaders on Sunday.
The meeting, which took place at a private venue in Lilongwe, was attended by prominent Muslim leaders from across the country.
During the meeting, Mutharika assured the Muslim leaders that, under his leadership, he will restore the country’s freedoms, revive the economy, and address the challenges brought about by the Tonse Alliance, led by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
He emphasized that his administration will prioritize the needs of all Malawians, regardless of their religious affiliations.
“We recognize the significant contributions that the Muslim community has made to the development of our country.
“As your leader, I assure you that we will work tirelessly to address the challenges that you face and ensure that your rights and freedoms are protected,”said Mutharika.
Mutharika also took the opportunity to criticize the current administration, led by President Lazarus Chakwera, for its handling of the economy and governance issues.
He accused the Tonse Alliance of failing to deliver on its campaign promises and instead, imposing harsh economic measures that have negatively impacted the lives of Malawians.
“The current administration has failed to revive the economy, and instead, has increased taxes, fuel prices, and cost of living.
“We will reverse these policies and implement new ones that will stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty,” he said.
The DPP leader also assured the Muslim leaders that his administration will prioritize education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
He emphasized that these sectors are critical to the development of the country and will receive significant attention under his leadership.
In attendance at the meeting were DPP Vice President for the Eastern Region, Honorable Bright Msaka, SC, and the DPP Governor for the Eastern Region, Honorable Daud Chikwanje.
Both leaders echoed Mutharika’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for the Muslim community to support the DPP in the 2025 elections.
“We need your support to win the elections and bring about the change that Malawi needs.
“We promise to work closely with the Muslim community to address your concerns and ensure that your rights are protected,” Msaka said.
The meeting was seen as a significant move by the DPP to win the support of the Muslim community, which constitutes a significant portion of the electorate.
The party has been accused of neglecting the Muslim community in the past, and this meeting was seen as an effort to rectify that.
Muslim leaders who attended the meeting expressed their gratitude to Mutharika for taking the time to meet with them and listen to their concerns.
They emphasized that the Muslim community is looking for a leader who will address their needs and protect their rights.
“We are looking for a leader who will prioritize our needs and protect our rights.
“We believe that Professor Mutharika has the vision and leadership skills to do just that,” said one Muslim leader.
The meeting comes ahead of the 2025 presidential elections, which are expected to be highly contested.
The DPP is seen as one of the frontrunners in the elections, and Mutharika’s meeting with Muslim leaders is seen as a strategic move to win their support.
Mutharika’s meeting with Muslim leaders was a significant move by the DPP to win the support of the Muslim community ahead of the 2025 elections.
The party’s commitment to addressing the needs of the Muslim community and protecting their rights is seen as a positive move, and one that could potentially sway the votes of Muslim electorates.
However, only time will tell if the DPP’s efforts will bear fruit.
