In brief
With general elections approaching, many Malawians find themselves preoccupied with lengthy queues for petrol rather than the polling stations. The ongoing fuel shortages amplify grievances against rising living costs, rampant poverty, and deteriorating job opportunities. Candidates like incumbent Lazarus Chakwera and former president Peter Mutharika joust for public support, yet the backdrop of economic distress obscures hope for real change. The youth, representing a substantial voter demographic, voice their disillusionment as they grapple with persistent hardships.
The queue to get fuel rather than the queue to vote is what is on the mind of many Malawians as Tuesday's general election approaches.Prolonged petrol shortages, along with regular power cuts, the rising cost of living, hunger, poverty, inequality, and youth unemployment, add to the tangible frustration here.The presidential, parliamentary, and local council candidates are competing for votes against a background of cynicism about what might actually change.In a sign that money is tight, electioneering has been somewhat muted compared to the past. This is despite the presidential race being seen as a rematch between the incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera, and the man he beat in 2020, then-President Peter Mutharika.There are 15 other candidates.But the usual colourful campaign carnival is missing. The free T-shirts usually doled out with abandon to whip up enthusiasm are more limited.Back in the snaking petrol lines, patience runs thin, which has at times led to fist fights.Sensing the fuel shortage was becoming an election issue, Chakwera has tried to tackle it head on.In a televised address eight days before polls open, he acknowledged the frustration and apologised. The president then turned his fire on allegedly corrupt officials who he accused of deliberately sabotaging the oil market.To put food on the table, young men have been selling petrol and diesel using small plastic containers at five times the official price.With food costs rising at more than 30% in the past year, and wages not keeping pace, things are becoming harder to afford.The effect of the economic troubles on young people could be particularly significant in this election – as around half of registered voters are under the age of 35. And yet the two leading presidential candidates are considerably older. Chakwera is 70 and Mutharika is 85.Chakwera has had a tough five years at the helm but remains optimistic. He says he is investing in the future of the country.
