By Edwin Mauluka

Current president Lazarus Chakwera, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate, and Peter Mutharika, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) torchbearer, both refused to participate in the two presidential debates organized by the Presidential Debates Task Force on August 21 and September 9 ahead of the September 16 General Elections.

At a rally in Lilongwe, Mutharika said debates in Malawi cannot be trusted.

“I participated in the 2014 debate but later I was told that one of the participants was given questions in advance,” he said. “So I decided never to take part in debates organized in this country. Never!”

The MCP also defended Chakwera’s absence. Jessie Kabwila, the party’s publicity secretary and Minister of Higher Education, said the president stayed away because of “lack of transparency and accountability” on the part of the task force, alleging organizers failed to clarify the purpose and structure of the events.

But debate organizers pushed back. Taskforce chairperson Golden Matonga said the excuses rang hollow, especially since both Chakwera and Mutharika had participated in similar debates in 2014 when they were in opposition.

“It appears that when they get to positions of power, they don’t like to participate,” Matonga said. “Malawians must ask themselves: are they willing to give power to people who refuse to answer questions from citizens?”

Matonga stressed that debates are not only an accountability mechanism but also a chance for candidates to explain their manifesto pledges, test their viability, and show how they align with national priorities.

“Non-participation,” he warned, “may imply denying citizens the opportunity to get answers and make informed decisions.”