During Monday’s national address, I was deeply moved by President Lazarus Chakwera’s plea to the people of Malawi to forgive him for the challenges, such as fuel shortages, they are facing under his administration.
It brought to mind the moments when Bakili Muluzi expressed his regrets to the inner circle of the United Democratic Front (UDF) for not listening to his mother’s advice against getting involved in active politics. Ultimately, his bid for a third term and open term presidency was unsuccessful.
Regardless of whether President Chakwera remains in office on September 16 or not, it is crucial to acknowledge the legacy he will leave behind.
Obviously President Chakwera’s time in office will be marked by both successes and failures.
For starters, after gaining power, President Chakwera has consistently used a civilized tone in his political discussions, prioritizing policies over personal insults. This strategy has resulted in a more courteous political climate and promoted productive conversations.
Furthermore , the Chakwera government has made efforts to enhance diplomatic relations with multiple countries, resulting in greater cooperation on global concerns like climate change.
In addition, Chakwera has made progress on certain campaign promises, such as increasing the minimum wage. This demonstrates his commitment to improving the living standards of Malawians and addressing economic disparities.
Investments in infrastructure are crucial for economic development. Chakwera’s improved rail and road networks have facilitated access to markets, ultimately benefiting the economy.
Most importantly, Chakwera’s willingness to engage with parliament and answer questions reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability. This practice has helped build trust between the government and the citizens, as it shows that leaders are willing to be held accountable for their actions and decisions.
Despite his accomplishments, Chakwera has been accused by critics of deviating from his moral and ethical principles. They point to instances of deceitfulness and making excessive and unrealistic promises during his election campaign.
For instance, despite his promise, he did not step down from his position when the economy reached an unbearable breaking point. Ultimately, the cost of goods and services has become too high for the average person to afford.
Although Chakwera was perceived as a compelling leader, there are worries that his leadership has not effectively translated his charisma into successful governance or concrete achievements. He is recognized for delivering eloquent speeches without taking tangible steps to follow through on them.
Furthermore, there are allegations that Chakwera’s government lacks the necessary political will to combat corruption effectively, highlighted by the arrest of the former Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director, Martha Chizuma, and the prolonged vacancy of the ACB leadership.
It is unfathomable that Chakwera’s administration clinched a deal to procure fertilizer from a butchery, a deal that later flopped.
Again, critics point to a pattern of borrowing that exceeds government expenditure, suggesting a lack of sound economic management and planning.
For instance, President Chakwera is believed to be the only President of Malawi who has made numerous trips to various countries despite the country’s worsening economy.
Additionally, the response to the plane crash involving Vice President Saulos Chilima has been criticized, indicating a failure in crisis management. Contradictory statements from government officials over Chilima’s demise have raised a lot of suspicions and conspiracy theories.
Furthermore, Chakwera has been accused of attributing the country’s economic challenges to natural disasters and the previous administration without offering concrete solutions to address these issues. In fact, effective leadership is about solving problems.
Moreover, there are concerns about appointments within Chakwera government being influenced by nepotism and tribalism rather than merit, undermining the principles of good governance.
For instance, despite the fact that he was found to be unqualified at the time of his interview by the office of Ombudsman, Henry Kachaje, a staunch supporter of the Malawi Congress Party, continues to hold onto his position at the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority. It has been revealed that Kachaje has since obtained a fake masters degree.
Unfortunately, the Chakwera government is being heavily criticized for the significant increase in inflation, which is negatively affecting the standard of living and overall economic state of Malawians. The frequent shortages of foreign currency and fuel have become a common occurrence, just as citizens are gearing up to vote in elections.
In a nutshell, Chakwera’s legacy is a mixed bag full of both strengths and weaknesses. It remains to be seen whether he will serve only one term as President, as the votes on September 16, 2025 will ultimately determine his fate.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author, Rick Dzida ([email protected]), and do not necessarily reflect those of Malawi24 or its editorial team.
