As Malawi prepares for the September 2025 General Elections, Don Consultancy Group (DCG) Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango has known as for a elementary shift within the nation’s strategy to electoral alliances. Mhango has urged Malawians to prioritize alliances that make financial sense somewhat than focusing solely on political comfort.

In a press release issued as we speak and addressed to leaders of political events, Mhango emphasised that the considerations he raised in his 2014 article titled “Electoral Alliances or Coalition Pacts in Malawi Politics: To Whose Benefit Are They?” stay related. Reflecting on previous alliances, he underscored their short-term focus, inside instability, and neglect of financial priorities.

Mhango highlighted the pivotal function of the 50+1% electoral threshold, which necessitates political alliances as a result of problem of securing a majority vote. While this mechanism has redefined Malawi’s political panorama, it has additionally revealed the constraints of alliances in addressing deeper problems with nationwide unity and financial development. Mhango noticed that Malawi’s alliances usually middle on presidential ambitions, neglecting to create sturdy frameworks for governance and financial coverage integration.

Citing the Tonse Alliance as a cautionary story, Mhango pointed to its inside conflicts and lack of safeguards as proof of the necessity for reform. He significantly famous the issues following the premature dying of Vice-President Saulos Chilima in 2024, which uncovered gaps in management transition planning inside the alliance. Mhango argued that these points spotlight the necessity for alliances to be underpinned by authorized safeguards to make sure stability and accountability earlier than and after elections.

According to Mhango, electoral alliances in Malawi undergo from hurried formation and an extreme deal with management positions, usually to the detriment of grassroots pursuits and nationwide priorities. He warned that with out clear frameworks and authorized mechanisms, alliances threat turning into divisive and unstable, failing to ship the advantages promised to their constituents.

Beyond political technique, Mhango emphasised the financial implications of electoral alliances. He argued that alliances must be designed to advertise sustainable financial insurance policies and governance frameworks, somewhat than being restricted to securing votes. He harassed that the 50+1% rule isn’t merely a political requirement however a mechanism that ought to drive financial progress for all Malawians.

Mhango known as for reflection because the nation heads towards the polls, urging political leaders and voters alike to re-evaluate the aim and construction of electoral alliances. He underscored the significance of prioritizing alliances that not solely safe political stability but in addition foster financial growth, saying: “It’s high time that the country’s political leadership and its electorate prioritize an Electoral Alliance that also makes economic sense than only political sense.”

This enchantment comes at a important juncture for Malawi, because the nation grapples with the challenges of political fragmentation and financial uncertainty. Mhango’s name serves as a reminder that the success of electoral alliances lies of their skill to handle the long-term wants of the nation and its individuals.

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