President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, abolishing the position of Minister of State in a move aimed at streamlining government operations and reducing public expenditure amid ongoing economic challenges. The changes, which take immediate effect, were announced in a press statement issued by Chief Secretary to the Government, Dr. Justin Adack K. Saidi, and are made under powers granted to the President by Section 92 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi. The Minister of State portfolio had been part of the administration formed following the September 2025 general elections, in which President Mutharika secured a landslide victory. Its removal is being widely interpreted as a response to public calls for fiscal discipline and lean government. The reshuffle retains several key ministerial portfolios while introducing a number of deputy minister appointments, a move government sources say is intended to enhance coordination, decentralize decision-making, and improve service delivery in priority sectors. Under the new arrangement, President Mutharika remains President and Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Service, supported by First Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah, SC, JA (Rtd), and Second Vice President Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana. The economic cluster continues to be led by Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization, Joseph Mwanamvekha, MP, alongside portfolios overseeing agriculture, trade, energy, and labour—sectors viewed as central to economic recovery. Among notable appointments: George T. Chaponda, MP retains Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Roza Fachi Mbilizi, MP heads Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Patridge takes charge of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism Alfred Gangata, MP has been appointed Minister of Natural Resources Jean Mathanga, MP oversees Energy and Mining The reshuffle also introduces several deputy ministers in ministries including Agriculture, Health, Education, Natural Resources, Gender, and Industrialization, signaling increased operational support in service-heavy departments. Political analysts describe the reshuffle as a strategic recalibration barely three months into President Mutharika’s new term, aimed at injecting momentum into governance and aligning cabinet performance with campaign promises. “The appointment of deputy ministers suggests a deliberate effort to strengthen implementation capacity, especially in agriculture, health, and education—areas critical to economic stability and social resilience,” said one governance analyst. The abolition of the Minister of State position has drawn particular attention, with commentators viewing it as a symbolic and practical cost-saving measure, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to fiscal prudence. According to the Chief Secretary’s statement, all appointments and structural changes take effect immediately, as the administration moves to consolidate its policy agenda amid economic recovery efforts and climate-related pressures.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the Southern Region, Honourable Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha, has told residents of Phalombe North that the country’s economy is on a recovery path under the leadership of President Arthur Peter Mutharika. Speaking during a political rally held at Namileme Primary School Ground, Mwanamvekha said the current administration has stabilised the economy following what he described as mismanagement during the previous Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government led by President Lazarus Chakwera between 2020 and 2025. He pointed to improved availability of essential commodities as evidence of economic recovery, noting that maize prices have reportedly dropped from around K110,000 to K50,000 per 50kg bag. Mwanamvekha also highlighted improved fuel supply across the country. “Fuel is now readily available. There are no longer queues at our filling stations,” he said. Member of Parliament for Phalombe North, Honourable Feston Chauma, thanked constituents for their continued support and expressed appreciation to Mwanamvekha for pledging to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Chiteketsa road, which has long been in a poor state. The rally attracted several senior DPP officials, including Regional Governor for the South, Honourable Charles Mchacha, and DPP Director of Youth for the Southern Region, Honourable Bizzier Kalulu. The meeting formed part of the DPP’s outreach programme aimed at updating citizens on government initiatives while also gathering feedback from the grassroots. Mwanamvekha urged residents of Phalombe North to maintain their support for President Mutharika’s development agenda, which he said is focused on economic stability and growth.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Director of Women for the Southern Region, Honourable Maria Mainja, on Tuesday visited female inmates at Thyolo Prison, where she donated assorted items and hosted a luncheon as part of end-of-year goodwill activities. The visit, held on December 30, was aimed at bidding farewell to 2025 and welcoming the new year. It coincided with similar outreach activities by other DPP officials, including the party’s Director of Youth, who visited inmates at Maula Prison during the festive season. Speaking to the inmates, Mainja encouraged them to remain hopeful and committed to personal reform. She emphasized the importance of rehabilitation, urging the women to use their time in custody for reflection and positive change, which she said could improve their chances of reintegration into society and consideration for future pardons. “As women, we must encourage one another to choose lawful paths in life,” Mainja said, adding that crime often exposes families—especially children—to hardship and suffering. Mainja also addressed concerns raised by the inmates regarding water shortages, electricity challenges, and inadequate shelter at the facility. She assured them that she would relay the issues to relevant authorities for possible intervention. The DPP official further stated that inmates remain part of Malawian society and deserve dignity and protection of their fundamental rights, regardless of their circumstances. Mainja has been an active political figure in the Southern Region, where she played a visible role in mobilization efforts during the September 16 general elections. Her visit to Thyolo Prison, she said, reflects her commitment to community engagement and social responsibility beyond partisan politics. The visit was welcomed by prison officials and inmates, who expressed appreciation for the support and the attention given to their welfare concerns.

The Mzuzu High Court has annulled the 16 September 2025 Parliamentary election results for Mzimba Hora Constituency, citing serious irregularities that compromised the credibility of the vote. The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) had earlier declared Martha Mzomera Ngwira, of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), as the winner. However, Henri Mumba, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate, challenged the outcome and sought judicial review. Delivering the judgment, Justice Thomson Ligowe outlined multiple electoral irregularities which he said should have been addressed by MEC before announcing official results. He ruled that the flaws were significant enough to invalidate the entire election process. Consequently, the court ordered fresh elections in Mzimba Hora and further directed Ngwira and MEC to pay legal costs incurred by Mumba during the challenge. Speaking to Khlubvi Post after the ruling, a visibly relieved Mumba—represented in court by lawyer Justin Dzonzi—expressed satisfaction with the verdict, saying “finally justice has been served.” Ngwira, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of Gender, was legally represented by Mzuzu-based attorney Christone Ghambi.

Senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) official Mike Chitenje has issued a strong warning to the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), urging the civic group to refrain from organizing fresh demonstrations against the current administration. Speaking at a political rally in Nchalo, Chikwawa, on Saturday, Chitenje accused HRDC of selectively applying pressure on governments and questioned the coalition’s credibility. He argued that during the five-year rule of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) under former President Lazarus Chakwera, HRDC did not organize a single protest despite what he described as “widespread suffering and poor governance.” “For five years, not one day did HRDC mobilize Malawians to protest against the MCP leadership. But today they want to return to the streets as if the challenges started now,” Chitenje told party supporters. Chitenje claimed that HRDC’s renewed activism is politically motivated and warned that the DPP will not tolerate what he described as “destabilizing activities” aimed at undermining the current administration. His remarks come amid growing public frustration over economic challenges, rising living costs, and governance concerns—issues that HRDC has recently cited as justification for resuming nationwide demonstrations. HRDC is yet to formally respond to Chitenje’s remarks, but the organization has previously defended its activism as nonpartisan, stating that its mandate is to hold any government accountable regardless of political affiliation.

Second Vice President Enock Kanzingeni Chihana has assured communities in the Shire Valley that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s administration will complete all development projects that were suspended under the previous government. Chihana made the remarks at Nchalo Ground in Chikwawa District during a “Thank You” rally organized by the Blue Alliance to acknowledge public support for the current leadership. He announced that President Mutharika has long-term plans to construct a modern referral hospital in the region, describing the proposed facility as “a lifeline and a symbol of preparedness in a nation that cares.” Chihana also highlighted the government’s intention to establish a university in the Shire Valley to expand access to higher education, promote research and innovation, and support broader national economic development. He noted that the institution would play a pivotal role in producing skilled professionals in agriculture, science, and technology. Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Chihana thanked President Mutharika for entrusting him with the office of the Second Vice President. “I would like to thank Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for trusting me to serve this country in the office of the Second Vice Presidency. On behalf of AFORD, we will forever be grateful to him and to the DPP family. I am also announcing that the Blue Alliance will go beyond 2030,” he said. Chihana further assured citizens that no Malawian would be allowed to die of hunger, revealing that maize supplies from Zambia have already been secured for vulnerable families. Earlier, DPP Vice President Joseph Mathyola Mwanamveka told the gathering that government has procured fertiliser for the ongoing Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP). He urged farmers not to sell the subsidized fertiliser and encouraged them to work diligently in their fields. Mwanamveka also announced that funding has been allocated to support youth and women seeking capital to start small businesses. Additionally, he confirmed that the free secondary school education programme will be rolled out on 1 January 2026. The rally was attended by several senior officials from the Blue Alliance, including DPP Southern Region President and Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka, Regional Governor Charles Mchacha, DPP Women’s Director Mary Navitcha, AFORD Secretary General Linda Limbe, AFORD Publicity Secretary Annie Maluwa, Paramount Chief Lundu, as well as Members of Parliament and councillors. for Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Linda Limbe, Publicity Secretary, Annie Maluwa, Paramount Chief Lundu, several MPs and councillors among others.

The 2025 general elections delivered a stunning political upset in Malawi, ending the Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) five-year rule under President Lazarus Chakwera. As analysts continue to unpack what went wrong, party insiders and political observers point to deep internal fractures, strategic missteps, and growing discontent within MCP’s traditional base. While external factors—such as economic hardships and voter fatigue—played a role, many argue that MCP’s decisive loss was largely self-inflicted. A major source of frustration came from long-standing MCP loyalists who felt sidelined throughout Chakwera’s presidency. According to party officials interviewed after the election, many veteran members believed the leadership abandoned them in favour of newcomers and individuals with limited history in the party. This perceived marginalization weakened grassroots mobilization—MCP’s biggest traditional strength. “We could not mobilize with the same energy,” said one district chairperson. “People felt forgotten.” Several constituencies reported unusually low campaign activity from MCP structures, with some members choosing not to canvass at all. Another major criticism stems from President Chakwera’s alleged preference for appointing individuals from his religious circles, particularly fellow clergy within the Assemblies of God. This created an internal narrative that appointments were based on personal associations rather than merit or loyalty to the party. The move was widely interpreted within the party as an abandonment of MCP’s historical identity and networks. Political analysts argue that this shift fractured the party’s unity and weakened coherence ahead of the election. Throughout his term, Chakwera and those close to him faced recurring allegations from critics that the presidency was increasingly self-serving. Although no formal charges were brought, the public perception that the President and some of his family members benefitted from state-associated opportunities lingered throughout the campaign period. For an electorate already grappling with economic challenges and frustrated by rising living costs, perceptions of self-enrichment among top leadership further eroded MCP’s credibility. “It became a political liability,” notes governance commentator Victor Mbewe. “People felt the government was more focused on personal gain than national progress.” A notable complaint from MCP insiders was that the President increasingly dismissed concerns or requests for dialogue from party structures. Multiple constituency leaders reported that members who tried to raise issues—whether about development, appointments, or campaign support—felt ignored or, in some cases, accused of pushing personal agendas. This alleged breakdown in communication created a sense of alienation within the rank-and-file, resulting in weakened motivation during the campaign season. The 2025 elections did not turn on a single issue but rather a combination of internal fractures and public disillusionment. Chakwera’s failure to maintain cohesion within his party, combined with governance and economic frustrations, created a political environment ripe for electoral defeat. Analysts say MCP’s path to political recovery now depends on: Rebuilding internal unity Re-engaging long-time members Addressing leadership trust issues Recreating a clear ideological and organizational identity. Whether the party learns from these lessons will determine its relevance heading into the next election cycle.

The Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Shadreck Namalomba, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mangochi South West, has expressed gratitude to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leaders in his constituency for their unwavering support during the recent elections. Speaking during a “thank you” meeting with party governors and governesses held in Mangochi South West, Hon. Namalomba commended the grassroots leaders for their dedication, trust, and commitment to the DPP and its presidential candidate. “I want to thank you for the tremendous support, love, and trust that you have shown me and our beloved President in the just-concluded elections,” Namalomba said. In his remarks, the Minister also expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, for appointing him as Minister of Information and Communications Technology. He described the appointment as a recognition not only of his personal service but also of the people of Mangochi South West, Mangochi District, and the Eastern Region. “This position is not for me alone—it is for the people of Mangochi South West and the entire Eastern Region. I am deeply indebted to the President for this trust,” he said. Namalomba’s meeting marks the beginning of a series of post-election engagements with local party structures aimed at strengthening unity and coordination within the constituency. He announced that he will soon meet area governors and governesses before embarking on a series of constituency rallies. Concluding his address, Hon. Namalomba urged the party faithful to maintain loyalty to the DPP and its leadership, emphasizing that unity and discipline remain key to continued development and political stability. He was accompanied by the party’s District Governor, Mr. Salire Mdala, who also encouraged members to remain steadfast behind the leadership of Professor Mutharika.

The Second State Vice President, Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana on Saturday, October 25, 2025 conducted a “Thank You” mini- rally in Mzuzu City to appreciate voter support for Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika during the September Elections. Chihana assured the people that Mutharika will govern this country with sincerity, vision and integrity. He also emphasized the critical role the traditional leaders play in socio-economic development and promised that Mutharika will strengthen the traditional governance frameworks and improve the capacity of traditional leaders to actively participate in the economy and national building. “Peace is an indispensable tool that helps to foster national development. It is therefore important for Malawians to unite behind Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s call of united Malawi,’ he appealed. Chihana who was accompanied by several high ranking members of his party, reiterated that the Blue Alliance government has embarked on a bold, decisive and swift route to reset the economy, rebuild national institutions and restore hope which will be grounded in fairness, discipline, inclusion and accountability. On food insecurity, he said though the hunger has reached “alarming levels” but President Mutharika is on top of the situation as he has already sourced maize from Zambia to help hunger- stricken families. He has also appreciated the donor community for their financial and technical support on the same. He has since assured the people that with support from the donor community, the government will embark on modernizing agriculture and expanding irrigation technology to maximize productivity.

Former President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has accepted to run again in 2030 after his party, the Malawi Congress Party-MCP endorsed him at a party meeting that was conducted at its headquarters in Lilongwe. But this has infuriated some members including Members of Parliament who have questioned the rationale behind the move saying it is premature to endorse someone who was severely trounced by Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika during the General Elections. They have also added that the party was supposed to conduct a postmortem before endorsing him because according to them, Chakwera is part of the larger problems of the party machinery. Yesterday’s meeting was the first, since the party lost power to the Democratic Progressive Party-DPP on September 16. Chakwera’s loss was largely blamed on him for being insensitive to poor Malawians economic plight while he was busy traveling locally and globally which led to forex scarcity. Several high ranking members of the party attended including Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, former Speaker, Catherine Gotani Hara, former Minister of Trade, Vitumbiko Mumba, Eseihower Ndau Mkaka among others.

As the DPP continues to celebrate Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s resounding victory in the 2025 Elections, the DPP Southern Region Women’s Directorate, under the inspiring leadership of the ever-passionate and dedicated Hon. Maria Mainja, took the celebration beyond politics by reaching out in love and service in honour of the fallen hero, Late Hope Chisanu’s family. Today, Hon. Mainja and her team visited the widow of the late Hope Chisanu, a loyal and devoted DPP member who faithfully served the party until his passing in the U.S. in 2024. In moments like these, the Democratic Progressive Party shows that victory is not only measured at the ballot box — it’s measured by compassion, unity, love and care for one another. Mainja vehemently campaigned for APM and the DPP with resilience and commitment. Meanwhile, Late Hope Chisanu in partnership with Steven Maseya made accurate analytical predictions for the Former President’s failure to make a good leader for Malawi in 2018 to 2020. Almost 100% of what the two predicted came to pass during the reign of the MCP and that is why Malawians have kicked them out of government. Late Hope Chisanu moved to USA in search for greener pasture after being unjustifiably fired from MBC.  

Tens of thousands of Malawians from all the four political regions of the country, crammed the mega sports Kamuzu Stadium in the commercial city of Blantyre on Saturday morning, September 4, 2025 to witness the swearing in and inauguration of Malawi’s 7th President Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika and his vice, Dr Jane Ansah. In his inaugural address Mutharika promised to change the country and urged all Malawians to work hard, to unite and also appealed for mindset change. The Malawi leader said Malawi’s problems are man made and not natural problems therefore man made problems are solved by man. Mutharika eloquently said Malawi does not belong to DPP, MCP, UTM, PP or any other party or tribe, or religion but it belongs to all Malawians. He said his administration will work tirelessly to fix the country, because as he put it, to solve a problem is to the problem. Some SADC presidents attended the ceremony among them, Mozambique president Daniel Chapo and Zimbabwe’s president Emarson Mnangagwa but other countries sent a delegation. Former presidents and vice presidents of Malawi attended the ceremony except erstwhile president Lazarus Chakwera who lost to Mutharika Mutharika won 56.8 percent of the the vote in the September 16 election while his rival Chakwera received 33 percent of the vote. President Mutharika is expected to name his maiden cabinet very soon and it is believed that the new cabinet will be dominated by technocrats