Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) torchbearer Arthur Peter Mutharika has described himself as a visionary leader capable of solving the challenges Malawians are facing.

He said this on Saturday during a whistle-stop tour in the Eastern Region the party organised to mobilise support ahead of the September 16 2025 General Election.

Mutharika and former first lady Gertrude during the campaign trail. | Ayamba Kandodo

During the tour, the former president criticised the current administration for lacking leadership and failing on good governance.

Said Mutharika: “It is because of the suffering of Malawians that I decided to contest in the presidential elections, to rescue people from these hardships.

“The country has a President, but not a leader. That is why you are suffering because the current government is not visionary.”

He pledged that, if elected into office, his administration will achieve food security, ensure access to nutritious food, improve road infrastructure and boost industrial development.

“Once I return to government, I will make sure Malawians no longer suffer. Our people have endured enough,” said Mutharika.

The party’s vice-president (Eastern Region) Bright Msaka praised Mutharika for prioritising the needs of Malawians.

He claimed that during the DPP administration, citizens did not experience the current levels of economic hardship, citing soaring prices of basic goods, fuel shortages and food insecurity.

“People in Machinga have suffered greatly. Many have gone hungry for months, resorting to eating poisonous plants out of desperation,” said Msaka.

The rallies were held in Chiponde (Namwera) in Mangochi, Nselema, Nsanama-Ntaja, Liwonde in Machinga and Mangochi Roundabout in Mangochi.