The leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kondwani Nankhumwa, has issued a scathing critique of President Lazarus Chakwera’s handling of the ongoing fuel crisis, which has entered its fifth week, leaving Malawians frustrated and desperate.
Speaking during a press conference in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Nankhumwa called on the president to “wake up from his slumber” and address the nation on this pressing issue.
The PDP leader condemned the president for his apparent silence, describing it as a disregard for the plight of Malawians.
“As a leader, President Chakwera needs to be with the people during challenging times like these. Instead, he is always on the move, campaigning, while Malawians are stuck in endless fuel queues. This shows a lack of empathy and prioritization,” Nankhumwa said.
Nankhumwa did not spare other members of the agovernment in his critique. He accused the Minister of Information of misleading Malawians by claiming that the country had sufficient fuel reserves, only for the crisis to worsen.
“Now that it is clear the Minister of Information lied to the public, he must apologize to the nation for spreading false information,” he demanded.
He also called for the resignation of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, accusing him of failing to find solutions to the energy crisis.
“The minister’s inability to address these issues is unacceptable. He should step down and allow someone capable to take over,” he added.
Nankhumwa expressed support for civil society organizations (CSOs), including the Centre for Democracy and Public Integrity (CDEPI), which have planned nationwide demonstrations to protest the fuel crisis.
“The PDP not only endorses these demonstrations but will actively participate in them. I will personally join the protests to show solidarity with Malawians who are suffering because of this crisis,” he said.
The PDP leader emphasized that demonstrations were a legitimate way for citizens to demand accountability from their leaders. He urged all Malawians to join the protests and amplify their voices against the government’s failure to address the crisis.
Beyond the fuel crisis, Nankhumwa also turned his attention to the country’s electoral processes, highlighting the need for the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to streamline its operations.
He accused the NRB of bureaucratic inefficiencies that have hindered eligible voters from obtaining necessary identification documents.
“The NRB must rise above bureaucratic inertia and ensure that every eligible Malawian is registered and has access to identification documents. This is essential for a credible electoral process,” he said.
Nankhumwa proposed the establishment of an Election Integrity Platform, a coalition of stakeholders to address electoral challenges and foster constructive dialogue.
“It is critical to have a collaborative effort that ensures every Malawian can participate in the democratic process without hindrance,” he added.
In a bold move, Nankhumwa called for the resignation of Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, citing a conflict of interest due to her ties to the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
“The credibility of the Electoral Commission is paramount. Having someone who is closely linked to a political party, especially the ruling party, compromises its impartiality. Justice Mtalimanja must step down to restore confidence in the commission’s integrity,” he said.
Nankhumwa’s remarks come at a time when frustration is mounting among Malawians over the government’s handling of key issues, including fuel shortages, economic instability, and energy problems. Many citizens have expressed dismay at what they see as a lack of transparency and accountability from those in power.
“The government must prioritize the needs of the people rather than focusing on political campaigns and self-preservation. Leadership is about serving the people, not turning a blind eye to their suffering,” Nankhumwa emphasized.
