Atupele wages ‘battle of ideas’ for Malawi presidential race
United Democratic Front (UDF) Leader and Presidential candidate for the 2014 tripartite General Elections Atupele Muluzi on Sunday held a whistle-stop political tour in the central region districts of Dowa and Kasungu, urging Malawians to usher in a new administration with visionary leadership, next year as the country goes to the polls.
He told enthusiastic and jubilant supporters that thronged all the three venues, Madise Trading center in Dowa, Mphoma Trading Center and Chankhanga School in Kasungu that the year 2014 will be one for reflection for Malawians.
“My fellow Malawians, 2014 will be the year to reflect on where we are coming from as a nation and where we are going. I am part of a modern generation. I strongly believe in the power of progressive ideas,” said Atupele.
He urged Malawians to vote into office leaders based on policies. The UDF torchbearer was blunt in his language a,d accused political leaders for rampant poverty in the country.
“We must change the way we govern and the way we are governed. We need new and progressive leadership which is prepared to serve our nation without selfish self-interest. We must guard against opportunistic politicians, who are not there to serve [but to loot and self-enrichment],“ he stressed.
Atupele who prides himself as idealistic and not dogmatic politician told crowds his beliefs are not just to win an election, but to lead change in the country.
The UDF leader also mentioned the ferterliser subsidy programme (Fisp) as one good initiative for food security which he noted has unfortunately been politicised.
He said that the FISP is meant for poor farmers, however reports on the ground continue to indicate that the rich are the ones benefitting from the programme.
“That is why we have prioritised governance as one of the important tools to achieving sustainable economic benefit. We would want to enhance transparency and accountability,” said Atupele.
He pointed out that if Malawi had strong systems that were transparent and accountable then programmes like FISP would become a tremendous success.
Atupele said that Parliament had this year allocated MK60 billion towards the FISP programme, which he noted is adequate to bring about positive changes towards the lives of Malawians if used wisely and efficiently.
The UDF leader also urged his supporters to go and register in the voters’ roll when the Electoral Commission starts the registration process.
He maintained that the UDF’s new Agenda for Change is about issues and policies that will bring sustainable development in the country.
“We need to turn ideas into practical policies that improve lives of Malawians,” he said.
The Agenda for Change is premised on four key pillars namely, inclusive growth, good governance, social protection, peace and security.
The four pillars according to the UDF leader will be the focus of discussion at the party policy to solicit views from Malawians and various stakeholders for them to ably formulate a manifesto for the party. He said the party will announce the dates and venue for the conference.
“The new UDF is offering hope to Malawians for the future and not broken dreams,” he said, adding “I believe only progressive politics has the answers to the challenges of our time.”
The UDF leader has of late held a series of public sensitization meetings in the Central region, which have taken him to Lilongwe rural, Dedza and Mchinji districts.
