The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has challenged all presidential aspirants in the September 16, 2025, general elections to give clear and practical answers on how they will fund and implement their manifestos. The consumer rights body says Malawians are tired of political promises without clear strategies, and this election should be about real socio-economic recovery plans.
In a petition addressed to political parties and their candidates, CAMA says it has developed a list of 20 key questions which it expects answers to by August 30, barely two weeks before the polls. The petition is entitled “The March Towards September 16, 2025: The Promises of Socio-Economic Recovery and Prosperity”.
Those expected to respond include aspirants from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), UTM, Peoples Party (PP), Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, and People’s Development Party (PDP).
CAMA’s Executive Director, John Kapito, said the list of questions was inspired by the manifestos unveiled by the aspirants. He explained that while the manifestos look good on paper, the real issue is whether they can be financed and implemented in a way that benefits ordinary Malawians.
“Our role is to encourage and mobilise consumers throughout the country on how your manifesto and subsequent policies will protect the interests of consumers,” Kapito said. “We want the candidates to expand and provide clarity, especially on how resources will be generated to support the many good outcomes promised.”
CAMA insists that every political party must present short-, medium-, and long-term interventions that can help rescue Malawi’s struggling economy. According to the body, voters no longer believe that slogans and vague promises are enough. Malawians, it said, want leaders who can give tangible, impactful, and measurable interventions that show seriousness about economic transformation.
The petition goes further to outline the major areas where clarity is needed. Candidates are asked to state how they will create a conducive environment for economic growth, reduce inflation, manage public debt, and prioritize products and services for export-led growth. They must also show strategies to deal with reduced foreign aid, which has been shrinking due to global shifts in donor policies.
Other questions touch on how a new government would reverse the heavy reliance on foreign-funded development budgets, what its approach would be towards the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and whether it would renegotiate the Extended Credit Facility.
CAMA is also pressing for answers on critical consumer issues such as high utility tariffs, rising unemployment, corruption in both public and private sectors, and the escalating cost of living. The association further demands clarity on how political leaders intend to guarantee access to food, water, electricity, housing, healthcare, and education in the next five years.
On financial inclusion, CAMA wants the aspirants to explain how they will make banking services more affordable and accessible to ordinary Malawians. Rural development is also listed as a priority, with the petition asking what strategies candidates have for rural areas and how quickly these will produce results.
The petition equally raises concerns about youth empowerment, technology integration, population growth, and the urgent need for public sector reforms. According to CAMA, these are not just political questions but real issues that determine the daily survival of Malawians.
Kapito warned that Malawians are growing impatient with leaders who make promises only to abandon them once elected. He said the people are now seeking visionary leaders who understand the economic and social challenges and are ready to present research-based and result-oriented interventions.
“Many expectations are born from desperation,” the petition reads. “Hope indeed sprouts out of the ashes of despair. The nation is edging towards a momentous election on September 16, 2025. Do not fall into the temptation to sway votes by selling false promises. Go forth and speak only political truth that will unite and uplift the nation from the socio-economic quagmire and set us back on the path to achieving the beautiful vision of MW2063 Goals.”
As the deadline of August 30 approaches, voters will be watching closely to see which candidates provide detailed answers and which remain silent. Political analysts say this demand from CAMA could shape the debate ahead of the elections, as aspirants are now under pressure to show exactly how their promises will be funded and delivered.
