The Politics Of Prophesy In Malawi’s Presidential Poll

• REX CHIKOKOMalawian elections bring with them a host of booming support businessesevery time they come around. The media’s role is well known, but it isthe other more subtle disciplines – such as witchcraft – that tend tocapture the imagination in the run up to election day.

On May 20, the country will pick new leaders, from local councillors all the way up to the president, with some 18 leaders having so far expressed their interest in the presidency.

While opinion polling is a more accepted science in predicting the outcome polls, in Malawi there is also plenty of space for fortune tellers.

So far, three prophets have made predictions that three different political leaders will assume leadership of the country.

Malawi is a country attuned to religion, and these prophecies are playing their part in the country’s lively campaigns this year.

All but one of the presidential frontrunners in the 2014 elections have received some ‘words from God’ of some kind from the prophets. Ironically, no prophet has come out to declare anything on whether ordained Reverend Lazarus Chakwera, who is running on the Malawi Congress Party ticket, would win.

A social media joke doing the rounds is that come the official results announcement on May 27, the country of about 15 million will have three definite presidents.

Two weeks ago, prophet Canan Chawinga said ‘God’ had told him that incumbent Joyce Banda would continue ruling the country, and urged the country to back his prophecy with prayers.

Prophet Chawinga’s vision came soon after another prophet, Austin Liabunya, had foretold that opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika would win the election.

Yet another prophet, Apostle Francis Ananda Chipukunya, has touted the youthful leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Atupele Muluzi, as being a shoo-in for the top seat.

Malawi’s religious belief got a deeper meaning in April 2012 when then President, Bingu wa Mutharika, died suddenly. Many Malawians believed that Mutharika died in fulfilment of a prophecy by the renowned Nigerian pastor, TB Joshua.

Some claimed that TB Joshua had also prophesied that President Banda would only rule the country for two years starting April 2012. Despite the Nigerian denying ever prophesying over the length of Banda’s term of office, Malawians still hang on to that belief.

Eyebrows have also been raised over Banda’s frequent trips to Nigeria over the last one year.

When political parties officially start campaigning for the highest office, the politicians will also be listening keenly to the little voices of the vibrant prophets.

Banda has lately met several religious leaders and has been fervently quoting biblical verses especially from the books of Ruth and Judges. She always calls on religious leaders to interpret some verses for her which she claims come to her spiritually, “So that I know what God wants me to know.”

But the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), an umbrella body for evangelical churches, has taken a critical stand at the views of the prophets who are an increasing number in the country.

EAM general secretary Reverend Francis Mkandawire noted that there has been a proliferation of prophets in Malawi and condemned some who are declaring that particular presidential candidates will triumph in the polls.

The churches said this practice can easily discourage prospective voters from exercising their constitutional right to choose people of their own choice.

“We want to warn Malawians not to entertain such individuals who often prophesy for personal gain,” EAM said.

EAM reminded such prophets that the only mandated body to declare winners in general elections is the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

Malawi politics however remain individualistic, with few parties run on ideals, and manifestos often delayed if not overlooked completely.

But the prophets are meanwhile doing a good job of providing relief for Malawians grappling with the increased cost of living in the country.

– wwwafricareview.com

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