By Burnett Munthali
Prominent legal expert and social commentator, Counsel Bright Theu, has weighed in on the debate surrounding the recently released Afrobarometer opinion poll survey. In a strongly worded statement, Theu defended the credibility of the survey, arguing that its findings should be assessed on their scientific merit rather than personal biases.
Theu wrote:
“Also, if the methodology is solid, the validity of the Afrobarometer opinion poll survey findings does not depend on whether you like them or not. You can argue with your grandpas, but not ‘scientific findings’.”
His comments come in the wake of criticism from various quarters, including political party supporters, who have dismissed the poll’s results as biased or inaccurate.
The Afrobarometer survey, released on December 6, 2024, revealed troubling sentiments among Malawians regarding the country’s current direction. It also projected that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) would emerge victorious if elections were held today, a finding that has sparked debate across the political spectrum.
Theu’s statement underscores the importance of a robust and transparent methodology in opinion polling. Afrobarometer is known for employing rigorous scientific methods, including randomized sampling and statistical analysis, to ensure that its findings accurately reflect public opinion.
By emphasizing the scientific basis of the survey, Theu reminded critics that subjective opinions cannot invalidate results derived from a credible research process.
Theu’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions from the public:
Supporters of the survey praised Theu for highlighting the importance of evidence-based discussions in shaping public discourse.
Critics of the survey accused Theu of dismissing valid concerns, such as potential biases in the framing of questions or data interpretation.
One social media user commented:
“Counsel Theu is right. We may not like the findings, but dismissing them without challenging the methodology is unproductive.”
Another countered:
“The findings may be scientific, but context matters. How do these surveys account for political dynamics and ground realities?”
The Afrobarometer findings have reignited discussions about Malawi’s political landscape and the readiness of various political parties ahead of the 2025 general elections. The survey has also highlighted the need for political leaders to address the pressing concerns of Malawians, including unemployment, corruption, and the rising cost of living.
Theu’s statement serves as a reminder that while opinions on the findings may vary, the focus should remain on the underlying issues facing the nation.
As Malawi navigates the pre-election period, conversations surrounding opinion polls like Afrobarometer’s will likely continue to shape political narratives. Counsel Bright Theu’s defense of scientific rigor adds an important perspective, urging Malawians to approach such findings with objectivity and focus on addressing the realities they reflect.
