* It will be a choice between economic progress and stagnation — the ability and capabilities of a leader that will grow the economy and create jobs
* Especially for the youth and opportunities for women to participate in the economy, will be fundamental — considering that unemployment in Malawi affects this demographic more
By Duncan Mlanjira
With just few days left for Malawians to decide whom they should give mandate to steer the country from economic hardships they are facing, Chief Economist for Don Consultancy Group in South Africa, Chifipa Mhango highlights various factors that underpinnes the polls that include the economic front.
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“It will be a choice between economic progress and stagnation,” he says in a statement. “The ability and capabilities of a leader that will grow the economy and create jobs, especially for the youth and opportunities for women to participate in the economy, will be fundamental — considering that unemployment in Malawi affects this demographic more.
“Another key factor will be the cost of living as depicted by the high inflation rate of over 25%, which has eroded the affordability of most Malawians on basic commodities — hence, a leader who presents solutions on this aspect will attract more votes.”
On food security, Chifipa says this “has been another area of concern in Malawi, with inefficiencies in the fertilizer subsidy programs, marked by massive corruption in the procurement process”.
Chifipa Mhango
“This is a top of agenda items to stabilise food production, especially among the rural communities.
“Reckless spending by the government has also attracted attention as the people relate to the massive poverty in the country against the lavish life of most government ministers or personnel.
“This has resulted in more government borrowing, reaching a debt level of 86% to the GDP, only to compensate for the low revenue base.”
On the persistent forex shortages, which has caused fuel and medical supply shortages across the country — products are mostly imported by Government, Chifipa observes this “is causing massive strain on the livelihood of most Malawian”; emphasising that: “This will also decide the voting pattern towards a solution-oriented candidate in the presidential election”.
Presidential candidates
“Other than that, it is also the issue of alleged corruption in government and how it is being dealt with. Most Malawians, based on international surveys, feel that corruption remains problematic in Malawi, and not much is being done, with elements of selective justice dominating prosecution,” said Chifipa, who is Don Consultancy Group’s director of economic research & strategy.
The race for the presidency strongly lies between the incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), former Head of State before him, Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), former Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor Dalitso Kabambe of UTM; former President Joyce Banda of People’s Party (PP) and incumbent Vice-President Michael Usi of Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu.
The campaign period closes on Sunday, 48 hours before the polls on Tuesday.
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