The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has criticised political party leaders for failing to focus on solutions to challenges facing Malawians.

In a statement, CAMA Executive Director John Kapito says it is worrying that most political parties are preoccupied with internal conflicts instead of addressing the socio-economic challenges affecting the public.

Kapito has cited punitive taxes, limited access to healthcare services, the high cost of living, unemployment and a lack of foreign direct investment as some of the major challenges requiring urgent attention.

“It is worrisome that political parties are spending their energy on infighting instead of addressing the challenges facing Malawians,” Kapito says.

He says the country’s struggling economy requires united leadership capable of finding practical solutions to the challenges facing citizens.

Kapito adds that Malawians have previously witnessed similar internal squabbles among political parties in government, warning that such conflicts do not help address the country’s problems.

His sentiments come days after the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) accused some of its leaders of attempting to create confusion within the party by disregarding established procedures in the conduct of party activities.

Speaking during a meeting with area leaders from the Southern Region in Blantyre on Tuesday, DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhitho claimed that some leaders were holding secret meetings without the knowledge or approval of the party leadership.