Arthur Peter Mutharika, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President and torchbearer, raised eyebrows with his notable absence at the closing ceremony of the party’s elective conference in Blantyre on Sunday.
The 84-year-old former President’s no-show has fueled speculation that age may be catching up with him, potentially impacting his ability to lead the opposition party effectively.
Peter Mutharika’s excuse for not attending the closure of the convention is yet to be known. However, it is speculated that physical challenges might be the reason. This raises concerns about whether he will be fit enough for the campaign.
Political commentator Wonderful Nkhutche said the development has a potential impact of this situation on the party’s campaign strategy.
“Mutharika’s absence from the convention’s closing ceremony has sparked significant concern. If his physical challenges are indeed the reason, it raises a crucial question about his readiness for the campaign. The party will face a daunting task if it has to navigate the election without his active leadership, potentially complicating their efforts to reach every corner of the country,” he said
Mutharika, who has been increasingly inactive in recent months, failed to make an appearance during a critical moment for the DPP.
His absence left party members and analysts questioning his political future. Some commentators have drawn comparisons between Mutharika and his political rival, President Lazarus Chakwera, who, despite being in his late sixties, was seen actively participating in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) convention in Lilongwe.
The low morale at the DPP conference was further dampened when George Chaponda, who was the convention organizing committee chairperson, delivered a speech on behalf of Mutharika.
Media influencer Pemphero Mphande took to Facebook to expressed his disappointment, stating, “For the past three years, Malawian politics has been critically ill. Today, it died. In 2025, Malawians must choose the lesser evil. What a sad reality!
“But I expected so much from DPP, especially a change of faces at the top. Instead, they have elected the same people that were rejected in 2020. Peter Mutharika, who was rejected by Malawians and is almost 90 years old, was given a free pass to still lead the mighty DPP. If Mutharika wins, will he be the one running state affairs, or will he delegate them to the same old faces around him?
“The contrast between the two major parties is striking. While the MCP painted Lilongwe red with their vibrant convention, the DPP, despite decorating Blantyre in blue, struggled to maintain enthusiasm among its supporters. Mutharika’s absence and the re-election of familiar faces have left many questioning the party’s ability to mount a serious challenge to the ruling MCP in the upcoming elections,” he said
DPP Publicity Secretary Shadreck Namalomba acknowledged the low morale during the convention closing ceremony, attributing it to the psychological impact of Chaponda, who had lost the position of DPP vice president for the southern region to Joseph Mwanamvekha.
“When you have lost the election, how can you speak with vigor and confidence? How would you speak to people that have cost you the election?” Namalomba wondered.
DPP National Executive Committee Top Positions,
- President: Arthur Peter Mutharika
- Vice President (North): Jappie Mhango
- Vice President (South): Joseph Mwanamvekha
- Vice President (East): Bright Msaka
- Vice President (Centre): Alfred Gangata
- Treasurer General: Edgar Tembo
- National Publicity Secretary: Shadreck Namalomba
- Secretary General: Peter Mukhitho
- National Organizing Secretary General: Sameer Suleman
