Atupele says ‘I am proud to serve Malawi’
United Democratic Front (UDF) presidential candidate Atupele Austin Muluzi has said he is ready to serve as the country’s Head of State after May 20 elections, promising a new settlement for new times and a fair Malawi for the new age.
“I am proud to be Malawian. I am proud to serve Malawi,” said the 35-year-old Atupele when he submitted his nomination papers to Malawi Electoral Commission in Blantyre on Wednesday.
The UDF torchbearer who has served as a parliamentarian for ten years, led the party in parliament and also served as Economic Planning Minister where he was an architect of the now stalled Economic Recovery Plan of the current government, said he is determined that there should be economic change.
He said the UDF’s Agenda for Change is well aligned to what Malawians want when they vote for their next generation of leaders.
“Our two reform pillars have been built through extensive country-wide consultation processes, which culminated into the first ever party policy conference last year. These will be synthesised into our Manifesto to be launched at the end of this month,” he said.
“Our first pillar: inclusive growth, will entail stabilisation and growth of the economy whilst protecting our poor and vulnerable through comprehensive and coherent social protection programmes.
“We will manage our domestic debt, pursue targeted public spending and effectively monitor budget planning and expenditure. We will enhance our business environment, create new jobs especially for the youth, transform our health and education systems, invest in key growth sectors including agriculture, energy, transport and mining,” said Atupele.
“Our second pillar: governance, will seek to make the public purse work for all Malawians and shall build institutions that enhance transparency and accountability across all echelons of society. We will reform our public finance management, procurement and auditing systems.
“We will make cabinet and the public service accountable to Malawians, empower Parliament, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Audit Office, civil society organisations, media and other key accountability bodies to do their job well. We will pursue local government reforms and maintain progress towards making our electoral processes inclusive and fair to all Malawians, especially women and the youth.”
Atupele said whilst Malawians carry with them a legacy of challenges, the new era also brings “ tremendous opportunities. “
He said: “We are in a position to shape and lead our destiny. But this must be done now.”
Speaking later to a Nyasa Times reporter, Atupele said:“ I want to give the people of this country an unconditional assurance – no ifs, no buts, no small print – my unwavering focus is taking this country through the challenging economic circumstances we face and building the fair society of the future. “
He added: “I strongly believe Malawi need a new UDF government keen to helping those who are working their way up from very little and lifting up those in the middle who want to get on. This is the future we’re fighting for.”
Atupele said his electoral pledge is more detailed in the manifesto to be launched, saying “I’m a man for detail.”
“Together we will win for the future of our Malawi.”
