Today in the Eastern Region, United Democratic Front (UDF) and one of the presidential contenders in the September elections Atupele Austin Muluzi has called on Norman “Pythius Hiwa” Chisale and his team in the DPP to stop abusing the aging and sick Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Atupele, on a whistle stop ahead of September elections, unleashed unfiltered jabs and blistering critique on Chisale and the DPP asking them to kindly ask the 86 year old former president to step aside and have a rest from politics in favor of leaders with more energy.
He also warned the DPP that in September they will not rely on tipp-ex to manipulate the votes as they did in the infamous nullified 2019 elections.
“I should warn you this time we will not have tipp-ex used during the voting. There shall be no room for rigging,” said Atupele.
He added: “I respect Professor Arthur Mutharika Mutharika greatly but it is time you let him have a rest and leave politics to those with energy. It is dishonesty to expect APM to endure the campaign. And don’t think you will rely on Tipp‑Ex again. Malawi has moved on.”
APM, born July 18, 1940, is now 86. He served as Malawi’s president between 2014–2020 when he left with a sorry record of poor performance and massive corruption happening under his nose and within the State House while he was 81.
In stark contrast, the incumbent President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, born April 5, 1955, is 70 .
This age disparity fuels concern over Mutharika’s readiness to lead a vigorous election campaign and govern effectively.
Adding to nervous speculation, family sources confirm Mutharika recently underwent left-ear surgery in Sandton, South Africa to treat a long-standing hearing issue . With no public appearances since, rumors swirl that he could become the world’s first hearing-impaired head of state—a symbolic yet troubling milestone given his invisibility during the campaign.
All major opposition candidates, including Atupele Muluzi (UDF), Joyce Banda (PP), Dalitso Kabambe (UTM), Kondwani Nankhumwa (PDP), and Lazarus Chakwera (MCP) have picked up nomination papers, while DPP is still living in denial while peddling lies to the state of affairs concerning their candidate.
As other parties appear organized and action-ready, the DPP remains eerily quiet. Its leader, previously seen as the strongest opposition contender, remains out of public view, sidelined by health concerns and age.
The MEC window for in-person submission between July 1–5 looms and if Mutharika cannot appear, the party may face either quick adaptation or fall into deeper chaos.
Political observers say the DPP’s internal disarray is evident. Predictions of DPP’s nomination paper collection seem bleak, especially amid warnings like Muluzi’s about unfair tactics.
Atupele Muluzi’s blunt message to Mutharika, to rest and to Chisale to steer clear of electoral fraud, is a wake-up call. Malawi is no longer sleepwalking into deception. With nomination deadlines nearing, and with leadership, integrity, and courage at stake, the DPP can either confront reality or cede the field.
