Former United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi has announced his intention to run for the upcoming 2025 presidential elections in Malawi.
In a recent interview, Atupele expressed his concerns about the state of the nation and outlined his vision for a better Malawi.
In his declaration, Atupele emphasized his commitment to serving the people of Malawi and addressing the pressing issues facing the country.
He cited the urgent need for an alternative voice and a new direction to counter the growing challenges of authoritarianism, weakened institutions, and rampant corruption.
“I belong to a generation of Malawians that knows that Malawi deserves better and has all the ingredients to realize its greatness as a nation,” Atupele stated.
He acknowledged the concerns of Malawians from all walks of life and affirmed his dedication to presenting his name on the ballot for the 2025 elections.
Having temporarily transitioned into a pan-African business executive, Atupele explained his decision to re-enter politics by highlighting the alarming trajectory of Malawi’s development.
He expressed deep concern over the country’s status as the third poorest nation in the world and the lack of a credible plan to address the situation.
“The current state of affairs must concern every Malawian,” Atupele asserted, calling for attention to rising corruption and abuse of power, emphasizing the need for a new vision that prioritizes democracy, accountability, and transparency as the core principles of governance.
When asked about his vision for Malawi, Atupele outlined two key aspects. Firstly, he stressed the importance of developing clear and consistent policies that address the needs and fears of the population. He highlighted Malawi’s vast potential in natural resources, such as oil, gas, rare-earth minerals, and agriculture, and expressed the need for a competent, honest team to execute a comprehensive strategy for economic growth and infrastructure development.
“We cannot wait till 2063. We must do it within 10 years,” Atupele asserted. He emphasized the collective rise of Malawi, calling for unity among Malawians regardless of tribe, party, or religious affiliation. Atupele expressed his intention to engage domestic and international stakeholders, including the National Planning Commission and intellectual experts, to execute the plan for the rise of Malawi as a model nation in Africa.
Secondly, Atupele emphasized his commitment to upholding democratic values, safeguarding human rights, and implementing vital reforms in education and healthcare. He pledged to prioritize freedom of speech and association, as well as the protection of private property while working towards alleviating the steady rise in the cost of living—a major challenge faced by the people of Malawi.
As for his leadership role within the UDF, Atupele acknowledged the party’s current leader, Lilian Patel, and affirmed his respect for internal governance processes. While he has presented himself as a UDF leader in various forums, Atupele clarified that he remains a senior UDF leader who upholds democratic principles.
