Chakwera is the most corrupt president in decades, survey finds

According to the latest poll conducted by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research (Ipor) in March 2024, as many as 93% of Malawians believe that President Lazarus Chakwera is the most corrupt leader in the history of the country.

Chakwera’s presidency has been plagued by corruption scandals, including the Sattar corruption scandal, the fertilizer scandal, the Bridgin Foundation scandal and the Nocma fuel import deal.

Despite the evidence, no action was taken against his associates.

Investigator magazine has exposed MK1.4 trillion worth of illegal fertilizer and fuel deals involving Chakwera civil service head Colleen Zamba and Transport Minister Jacob Hara.

Critics argue that Chakwera’s inaction is fueling corruption and undermining public trust.

Malawi ranks 115th out of 180 countries with a score of 30 in 2023.

The country’s fight against corruption has weakened over the past 10 years, falling from 37 points in 2012 to 34 points in 2023.

Information and Digital Affairs Minister Moses Kunkuyu dismissed the study’s findings, citing the complexity of corruption.

However, Center for Social Responsibility and Transparency executive director Willy Kambwandira responded that citizens’ perceptions reflect their experiences.

National Advocacy Platform chairman Benedicto Kondowe attributed the perception of widespread corruption to past and present scandals, poor service delivery and limited accountability mechanisms.

The survey results highlight the need for responsibility and decisive action against corruption.

Malawians demand transparency and action from their leaders.