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, despite the presidential race being seen as a rematch between incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera, and the man he beat in 2020, then-President Peter Mutharika.
There are 15 other candidates, but the usual colorful campaign carnival is missing. The free T-shirts usually doled out with abandon to whip up enthusiasm are more limited. There are fewer giant election billboards on the nation's main roads. 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, he acknowledged the frustration and apologized, turning his focus on allegedly corrupt officials accused of sabotaging the oil market.
Like fuel, new job opportunities are also hard to come by. Young men have been selling petrol and diesel using small plastic containers at five times the official price. In the southern town of Mangochi, they refused to be interviewed except to say that preying on desperate motorists was the only way to survive. With food costs rising at more than 30% in the past year and wages not keeping pace, life is becoming increasingly unaffordable.
The effect of these economic troubles on young people could be particularly significant in this election, as around half of registered voters are under the age of 35. Yet, the two leading presidential candidates are considerably older, with Chakwera being 70 and Mutharika 85. Many younger voters have expressed that these ongoing issues have dampened their enthusiasm for the elections, feeling that hope has been lost.
Chakwera has had a tough five years but remains optimistic, pledging significant investments for the future such as a program targeting financial support for children born after the elections. Similarly, former president Joyce Banda, another contender, is seeking to bring changes to the economy and infrastructure.
With all candidates aiming to win over voters’ trust and restore faith in leadership, Malawians are hoping that whoever emerges victorious after Tuesday's vote can tackle pressing issues of food scarcity and fuel shortages.
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, despite the presidential race being seen as a rematch between incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera, and the man he beat in 2020, then-President Peter Mutharika.
There are 15 other candidates, but the usual colorful campaign carnival is missing. The free T-shirts usually doled out with abandon to whip up enthusiasm are more limited. There are fewer giant election billboards on the nation's main roads. 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, he acknowledged the frustration and apologized, turning his focus on allegedly corrupt officials accused of sabotaging the oil market.
Like fuel, new job opportunities are also hard to come by. Young men have been selling petrol and diesel using small plastic containers at five times the official price. In the southern town of Mangochi, they refused to be interviewed except to say that preying on desperate motorists was the only way to survive. With food costs rising at more than 30% in the past year and wages not keeping pace, life is becoming increasingly unaffordable.
The effect of these economic troubles on young people could be particularly significant in this election, as around half of registered voters are under the age of 35. Yet, the two leading presidential candidates are considerably older, with Chakwera being 70 and Mutharika 85. Many younger voters have expressed that these ongoing issues have dampened their enthusiasm for the elections, feeling that hope has been lost.
Chakwera has had a tough five years but remains optimistic, pledging significant investments for the future such as a program targeting financial support for children born after the elections. Similarly, former president Joyce Banda, another contender, is seeking to bring changes to the economy and infrastructure.
With all candidates aiming to win over voters’ trust and restore faith in leadership, Malawians are hoping that whoever emerges victorious after Tuesday's vote can tackle pressing issues of food scarcity and fuel shortages.
