Atupele rocks Mulanje, Phalombe: ‘Malawi needs renewal 50 years of independence’

Atupele rocks Phalombe: Dancing with supporters
Atupele rocks Phalombe: Dancing with supporters

United Democratic Front 2014 presidential candidate Atupele Muluzi on Sunday stormed the southern region upper Shire districts of Mulanje and Phalombe promising renewal and a new administration established on a set of strong pillars of good governance.

The public rallies at Chambe primary school and Migowi trading center in Mulanje and Phalombe respectively was a litmus test for Atupele’s political prowess and popularity as the two districts are perceived former governing Democratic Progressive Party’s stronghold.

However, it appears the UDF leader was unfazed as his convoy drove over 150 km stretch waving at jubilant supporters and admirers who lined up the roadside of the Zomba, Chitakale road chanting “tikufuna nyamata basi, Atu yemweyo kuti wa! wa! wa! [We want youthful leader, In Atupele we support]“.

Atupele danced and mingled freely with the ordinary people at all the venues. Like he has done elsewhere, his message was consistent, dwelling on a cross cutting theme on delivering on a new agenda for change.

The UDF 2014 torch bearer took his time  to explain to the people on why he thinks Malawi is lagging behind in terms of development as compared to other countries including its neighbours.

“Malawi, our country will celebrating its 50 years of independence next year. This will be our Jubilee year but sadly for many ordinary Malawians there will be little to celebrate about. Poverty and inequalities are rampant,” he said.

He told the gatherings that his focus is on leading the drive towards transformational change in Malawi saying that development comes by design and not by default.

The young Muluzi outlined his four pillars on delivering on a new agenda for change: Inclusive Growth, which focuses on the economy, Good governance, Social Protection, Peace and Security.

On inclusive growth he spoke mostly job creation  whilst focusing on manufacturing and value addition on exports.

He emphasized the need an export fund in order to improve access to credit to small and medium enterprises.

The Machinga North East lawmaker also stated that a loan scheme should be established and administered at the district local councils for small scale businesses.

Additionally, he spoke highly of the potential of Agriculture through enhanced mechanisation and irrigation.

He said when the UDF is voted into power, his government will put much emphasis on transparency and accountability, which according to him is a pre-requisite of good governance in order for effective delivery of public services especially in the rural areas.

Atupele also stated that he believes in devolved government and empowering local leaders in decision making.

Said Muluzi: “We will hold a national policy conference shortly, where we will accommodate views from various people in order to formulate a new manifesto for the party. Let me tell you that the world is changing and several things on how we run our affairs need to change also.

“We need to ensure that there is economic growth and development to benefit everyone, social protection as well as security. These are the main things UDF is going to focus on when voted into power,” he said.

Although Atupele is perceived a darling of the  youth, the audience in Mulanje and Phalombe was a mixture of both the old and young people.

Crowds that attended Atupele's rally in Mulanje
Crowds that attended Atupele’s rally in Mulanje
On whistle-stop in Lomwe belt: Atupele Muluzi, UDF president
On whistle-stop in Lomwe belt: Atupele Muluzi, UDF president
Atupele Muluzi greets supporters in Phalombe
Atupele Muluzi greets supporters in Phalombe

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