Critics implied that the passing of Bingu wa Mutharika would mark the downfall of Peter Mutharika’s political future.
Despite being in the opposition bench, APM’s victory in the 2014 presidential election over incumbent President Joyce Banda surprised and proved wrong many of his critics.
In the first term of APM’s presidency, his vice president, the deceased Saulos Chilima, hinted at taking control of leadership in the event of APM’s death while in office.
APM dismissed those malicious desires by stating that the immature comments were unjustified, as no one could explain why God chose to spare his life over his siblings.
In 2019, critics suggested that APM would not be able to secure victory in the presidential elections without the backing of his estranged ally, Chilima. However, APM ultimately emerged as the winner of the 2019 presidential elections.
With the help of Mtambo’s countrywide protests, Lazarus Chakwera and Saulos Chilima conspired with the court to declare the 2019 presidential elections invalid, while the parliamentary and local government elections were not affected, even though they were all overseen by the same Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
It should also be emphasized that APM had to redirect his convoy in order to prevent casualties amidst countrywide protests led by Timothy Mtambo, Lazarus Chakwera, and the late Saulos Chilima. This demonstrated APM’s focus on the people and his empathy towards their plight.
It was therefore not bamboozling that the court ensured that a 50%+1 majority interpretation would be used as the measure for determining the winner of 2020 fresh presidential elections.
In light of the 2019 presidential elections, it was clear that the alliance between Chilima and Chakwera would inherently give the opposition an advantage as the court implicitly predicted it.
The 2020 fresh presidential election was characterized by a unique approach to redefining the term majority and by a surprising allowance for presidential candidates to switch their running mates. That insidious move was laid bare.
At least, APM had the statesmanship aroma to step down even after he was sworn in as a presidential term but that was done in respect of democracy.
Subsequently, there were requests from multiple individuals, particularly from the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP), to implement a bill that would establish a maximum age limit for presidential candidates, specifically aimed at the elderly APM. However, this effort was also unsuccessful.
Recently, APM’s public appearances have sparked controversy when he was seen handshaking with the outgoing foreign diplomat.
Undoubtedly, his discreet journey to South Africa for medical reasons only added fuel to the fire as APM appeared weak and frail upon his return. However, is it not normal for a person to fall ill?
Some individuals even hinted that APM had passed away. This brings to mind a similar situation from a few years back when popular political figure, Saunders Juma, gained widespread attention on social media by spreading false information that APM was in a comatose state at the State House.
Next is the commotion about APM birthday, which humorously spread on social media suggesting that individuals like Chaponda were consuming the birthday cake on his behalf.
Fortunately, APM shocked many by celebrating his birthday with his nearest and dearest on the following day.
As the official campaign period begins, there is a growing curiosity as to why APM is not actively campaigning for his candidacy.
In light of the numerous disputes, animosity, malicious comments, defamation, and subtle accusations aimed at APM, will he ultimately triumph in the upcoming Presidential election in September? The ultimate decision lies with the voter.
