Malawi’s recent election has led to a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape, with President Peter Mutharika’s return to power after a decisive victory. The 85-year-old leader, who won 56.8% of the vote, campaigned on a platform of economic recovery and respect for the rule of law. However, his administration’s early actions have raised concerns about the erosion of institutional independence and the politicization of key sectors.

The new government has launched a sweeping overhaul of state-owned enterprises, dissolving boards and suspending or reassigning chief executives. The removals have been criticized for being driven by political loyalty rather than competence, with some officials being publicly humiliated or forced to issue televised apologies. Governance experts warn that such actions can destabilize public institutions, erode staff morale, and undermine the rule of law.

The security sector has also been affected, with the administration attempting to redeploy top officials into civilian roles. The move has been met with resistance, with the affected officers obtaining a court injunction to halt the process. Security experts have raised concerns that the executive may have acted beyond its legal authority, and that such redeployments can only be justified in exceptional circumstances.

The developments have sparked concerns about the direction of the new administration, with critics arguing that it is prioritizing score-settling over governance. The mandate given to the ruling party was clear: fix the economy, restore discipline, and uphold the rule of law. However, the early signs suggest that the government may be blurring the line between reform and retribution.

As the year draws to a close, the political terrain remains unsettled, with the opposition leader, Lazarus Chakwera, insisting that he will lead his party into the next elections. The ruling party, meanwhile, faces an unresolved succession question, with President Mutharika constitutionally barred from seeking another term.

The Malawian voter did not give the ruling party a blank check for vengeance, but rather a mandate for economic recovery and stability. If the administration continues to prioritize politics over governance, it risks squandering the trust that returned it to power. The real test of the government’s return will be whether Malawi’s institutions emerge stronger, more independent, and more credible than before.