Joyce Banda poised to win Malawi presidency: ‘Never make a mistake about it’
President Joyce Banda is confident she will get her mandate in May 20 elections despite her People’s Party (PP) losing some disgruntled members including two vice presidents, Sidik Mia and Cassim Chilumpha.
“Regardless of anyone leaving, I can assure you that the People’s Party is poised to win the tripartite polls in May. Never make a mistake about it,” President Banda challenged in her last rally at Masintha in Lilongwe.
Critics feel Banda will face stern test in the elections because of the corruption cashgate scandal, which has become campaign talking point for the opposition.
But the President is taking positives in the reforms and action plan to deal with the financial melafaeces, saying the ‘cashgate’ crisis is an “opportunity” to further clean house so her nation may one day stand on its own feet.
On withdraw of membership by her party’s top two, Banda has said attainment of leadership positions, including being her running mate in the forthcoming presidential elections, is by God’s providence, not through dubious, monetary or other means as some people, who have quit her party, misled themselves to think.
President Banda said some leaders, who feel they are entitled by right to hold top positions, decided to leave having realized in frustration that their ambition of being her running mate will not be had.
“Actually, more of that feeling of entitlement, may decide to quit,” President Banda said, adding that positions are not a matter of entitlement but a privilege that comes from God through his grace.”
In any case, President Banda emphasized, there can only be one running mate at a time.
“Therefore, whoever ultimately becomes a running mate, they will have been appointed by the Almighty. As leaders, we must always understand that there is time for everyone and everything. You can’t demand or bully me to appoint you,” said the President.
President Banda said the PP shall respect the decision of anyone who chooses to leave because “we are a democratic party that respects people’s rights and freedoms as provided for in the Malawi Constitution.”
That notwithstanding, the Malawi leader, encouraged her party members to remain vigilant and continue to work hard in unity and harmony, including making sure that they are selfless servants of the people.
Banda who has stressed that that tackling corruption has come at a personal cost – she has received death threats and could potentially be made to carry the can for it when Malawi goes to elections in May- is upabeat to win even “ by a landslide.”
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