Ex-president Mutharika has been endorsed by Malawi’s primary opposition for the 2025 presidential election

The Democratic Progress Party, Malawi’s primary opposition party, announced on Sunday that former President Peter Mutharika will serve as its presidential candidate in the forthcoming election.

Mutharika, who served as president from 2014 to 2020, declared in his acceptance speech that he and his party would address the economy’s anemic development and the foreign currency shortages that resulted in a shortage of fuel and medications. His age is 84.

He is expected to compete against President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party, who is seeking a second term in office at the upcoming election on September 16, 2025.

“We have a history of triumphing over our enemy.” The following year, we will replicate this action. Mutharika assured his party’s national convention in the commercial capital of Blantyre, “We are on our way to address the economy.”

Mutharika, a former law professor, was responsible for the development of infrastructure and the reduction of inflation during his tenure. However, he vigorously denies accusations of corruption and patronage.

Chakwera, who is 69 years old, assumed office with the intention of reducing corruption and fostering economic expansion. However, his opponents contend that he has failed to implement these objectives, as the economy of the southern African nation remains precarious.

Mutharika announced that he would establish an opposition alliance that would include the United Transformation Movement, a party that was established by the late Vice President Saulos Chilima, who was killed in an aircraft disaster in June.

In 2020, the UTM party assisted Chakwera in defeating Mutharika; however, subsequent to the vice president’s passing, it declared its readiness to withdraw from the governing coalition.

As of now, UTM has not officially announced an alliance with Mutharika’s party, which would significantly alter the election. Despite an inquiry for comment, a spokesperson for UTM declined to respond.