On August 21, 2025, the presidential debate in Lilongwe delivered an unexpected turn in Malawi’s election narrative. The event, initially anticipated as a showdown of frontrunners, instead saw the spotlight fall upon a compelling trio: Dalitso Kabambe (UTM), Atupele Muluzi (UDF), and—decisively—former president Joyce Banda (People’s Party).
1. Pre-Debate Dynamics: A Stage of Strategic Absences
Leading up to the debate, headlines were dominated by the absence of two political heavyweights. Both President Lazarus Chakwera and former president Peter Mutharika withdrew their participation. Their decisions, while politically strategic, drew criticism.
- President Lazarus Chakwera’s team suggested the need for “an inclusive and consultative process,” implying dissatisfaction with the debate’s format and its organizers.
- Peter Mutharika’s camp was more direct, criticizing the format as potentially biased. Their decision signaled a calculated move to avoid a platform they did not control, a common tactic for incumbent and primary opposition candidates.
Meanwhile, a cloud of uncertainty surrounded the participation of Joyce Banda. Early reports indicated she was still undecided, amid ongoing campaigning in the Eastern Region. Her eventual presence on stage proved to be a notable shift from these earlier ambiguities, injecting a dose of gravitas and unpredictability into the proceedings.
2. On the Debate Stage: A Trio of Alternatives
With Chakwera and Mutharika sidelined, the stage became a platform for three significant participants to present alternative visions for Malawi’s future.
- Dalitso Kabambe, a former Governor of the Reserve Bank, positioned himself as the pragmatic technocrat. His arguments centered on economic stabilization, proposing data-driven solutions to curb inflation and manage the country’s fiscal challenges.
- Atupele Muluzi, the UDF leader and son of former president Bakili Muluzi, campaigned on a message of youth-led innovation and modernization. He focused on entrepreneurship and technological solutions to tackle unemployment and diversify the economy.
- Joyce Banda, the only female candidate and a former president, anchored her campaign in a “new vision” centered on social inclusion. She advocated for increased youth employment, women’s empowerment, and poverty alleviation, drawing on her experience in office.
The debate, moderated by journalists and civil society representatives, focused on three pressing themes that have defined the election cycle:
- The Economy: All three candidates presented strategies to confront runaway inflation, fiscal deficits, and the critical issue of food insecurity.
- Governance & Corruption: Acknowledging the widespread public frustration, each candidate pledged to strengthen oversight institutions and tackle the country’s deep-seated governance deficits.
- Social Services (Education & Health): Proposals ranged from budget reallocation and efficiency improvements to public–private partnerships and leveraging digital innovation to improve service delivery.
3. Controversies and Political Underpinnings
The event was not without its controversial undertones.
- The Absence of Frontrunners: The no-shows by Chakwera and Mutharika sparked widespread criticism. Observers questioned the democratic integrity of a debate missing its top contenders, raising concerns that the public was being denied a full picture of the electoral landscape.
- Mixed Signals from Banda: Her initial hesitancy, though overcome, reinforced perceptions of unpredictability. Her eventual participation, however, transformed her public image from a wavering candidate into a determined alternative voice.
- Debate Relevance: The reshuffled lineup led to a polarized reaction. While some viewed it as a long-overdue opportunity for new voices to emerge, others felt the debate had lost some of its potency without the incumbent and primary opposition figures present.
4. Supporting Context: Economic Turmoil as a Campaign Canvas
This debate unfolded amidst a backdrop of deepening economic and social crises in Malawi, underscoring the urgency of the candidates’ proposals.
- Skyrocketing inflation, which has reached nearly 29%, has severely eroded household incomes and fueled public protests in major cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre.
- Growth projections for 2024 were downgraded to a meager 1.8%, with a modest recovery expected in 2025. This rate remains below the country’s population growth, meaning that on a per-capita basis, citizens are getting poorer.
- International financial organizations like the IMF and World Bank have repeatedly urged the government to implement fiscal discipline, debt restructuring, and transparent governance to curb the spiraling crisis.
These pressures provided the raw material for the debate, as each panelist presented their strategies within a landscape defined by urgent reform and voter disillusionment.
5. Looking Ahead: Impact and Open Questions
While no clear “winner” emerged from the night, the debate undeniably reframed the campaign landscape.
- Kabambe and Muluzi broke out of the shadows, solidifying their positions as credible leadership contenders.
- Banda’s performance, with a defined and consistent campaign platform, positioned her as a meaningful alternative voice, particularly to voters disenchanted with the established political duopoly.
With the September 16 general election approaching, the debate’s outcomes may signal a potential shift toward a more contested race. Still, the full electoral impact remains to be seen. Only when the results emerge—and whether subsequent debates include all contenders—will we fully understand the long-term resonance of August 21.
