Performance over promises: Why this election is about results, not rhetoric

This year’s election is not about personalities, running mates, or flashy promises it’s about reality. The lived experience of most Malawians over the past five years has been defined by economic struggle, rising living costs, and unfulfilled promises. 

Voters are not just casting a ballot for a candidate they’re issuing a verdict on performance, and the numbers speak for themselves.

During the administration of former President Peter Mutharika (APM), Malawi’s economic indicators, while far from perfect, showed relative stability:

Inflation averaged around 9%, with food inflation contained by good maize harvests and subsidies.

The Malawi Kwacha was largely stable, averaging around MK750 to the US dollar.

GDP growth averaged about 4.4%, and by 2019 the economy was projected to grow by 5%, largely driven by agriculture and donor confidence.

Public debt stood at around 62% of GDP. Although concerns were growing, it had not yet reached critical levels.

Fuel prices were relatively stable, and basic commodities, though still expensive for the poor, were more affordable than they are now.

Contrast this with the economic environment under President Lazarus Chakwera:

Inflation has surged, peaking at over 30% in 2023, with food inflation reaching crisis levels. Prices of essentials like maize have tripled in some regions.

The Kwacha has sharply depreciated, particularly after the 2023 devaluation, dropping to over MK1,700 to the US dollar, making imports more expensive and driving up the cost of living.

Public debt has ballooned, surpassing 80% of GDP, leading to increased pressure from international lenders and more aggressive fiscal austerity.

GDP growth has stalled, averaging below 2.5% during the Chakwera years due to COVID-19 impacts, climatic shocks, and fiscal mismanagement.

The country has faced multiple fuel shortages, and the cost of fuel has more than doubled, affecting transport, agriculture, and food distribution.

While it’s true that Chakwera inherited some challenges, particularly the aftermath of the pandemic, his administration has struggled to present coherent solutions. 

The fight against corruption, one of his major campaign promises, but no tangible results, and public perception is that governance has become more talk than action.

Yes, Saulos Chilima’s absence from the 2025 race and the introduction of Michael Usi and Vitumbiko Mumba as Chakwera’s running mate add new dynamics, but they don’t change the core reality: Chakwera is still the president and the chief architect of the current state of the nation.

As some put it, “He is a good player on the wrong team.” It’s a polite way of saying that Chakwera might have good intentions, but his administration’s execution, team, and policies have failed the test of leadership. 

In politics, intentions matter less than impact and for many Malawians, the impact of the past five years has been nothing short of painful.

This election is shaping up to be a referendum on performance, not personalities. 

Voters want more than charisma and academic eloquencethey want stability, food security, job opportunities, and affordable living. They are tired of being patient. 

They are tired of speeches. What they demand now is evidence of real progress. And if it’s not there, they will vote accordingly