By Mercy Matonga:
Analysts have said people’s decisions in the September 16, 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections are likely to be influenced by experiences related to current challenges.
They cite economic performance, fuel supply issues, power outages and political uncertainty among the factors that may influence political outcomes.
University of Malawi political analyst Gift Sambo said while the government is trying everything in its power to get these issues addressed, such efforts could be undermined by focus on the campaign trail.
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“In fact, it is not automatic that things might improve after elections. The status will depend on many factors such as the international political climate, political will and the sacrifices that the governing elites will be prepared to make in resolving these issues,” Sambo said.
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He further said Malawians could not out leadership problems, namely that the government has confronted by principal agent problems such as information gaps and monitoring challenges.
“This notwithstanding, it is also important to appreciate the impact of Covid, global conflicts and global economic challenges in exacerbating the situation,” Sambo said.
On his part, political commentator Wonderful Mkhutche said current challenges were self-revealing.
“This has exposed not only our challenges with forex but lack of strategic planning in the government. Fuel is a strategic commodity and we need to plan and act better to secure the commodity,” Mkhutche said.
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He also said people should not expect improvements anytime soon.
“The challenge is recurrent. Until we are able to secure forex, we will still be facing this situation,” Mkhutche said, adding that political leadership was directly connected to the current challenges.
He said while President Lazarus Chakwera could be entirely blamed, it was his responsibility to assemble a team that can deliver.
On his part, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Executive Director Willy Kambwandira said the current economic situation and challenges obviously reflect shortcomings in governance.
“In my opinion, the government’s approach to these challenges is hampered by repetitive, short-term solutions, lack of effectiveness and foresight without actionable details,” Kambwandira said.
