Atupele ‘talk of voters’ after Malawi presidential debate: Condemns MCP party of bitterness, UTM of frustration

March 30, 2019 Wongani Chiuta -Nyasa Times 51 Comments

Youthful presidential hopeful Atupele Muluzi of United Democratic Front (UDF) has been talk of the voters dominating social media and public talks after  his no holds barred show during the first 2019 presidential debate ahead of the May 21 Tripartite Elections.

Chilima rebuked Atupele saying failing to read your political opponents’ manifesto in full smacks lack of seriousness
Atupele Muluzi: Running government is serious business and needs experience

Atupele was in the panel together with  Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM’s Saulos Chilima in the first of the three-series debates held  in the main auditorium of Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) in Lilongwe.

The UDF presidential candidate, who is President Peter Mutharika’s Minister of Health, relentlessly attacked Chakwera and Chilima for what he thought were faulty policies.

He positioned himself as a leader willing to cooperate with any government for “the general good of Malawians”, while condemning MCP as a party of bitterness and UTM as a party of frustration.

Governance expert and commentator Makhumbo Munthali said while the UDF presidential candidate must be commended for stirring up what had started as a boring debate but later gained momentum, he failed to convincingly defend UDF as an independent party with a better plan to rule the country.

“Of course, one could clearly see that the young Muluzi struggling to reconcile the two conflicting political worlds which he belongs to: that of the Presidential candidate of an opposition party and a member of the [Mutharika] government. You don’t have to be a political scientist to see a hidden hand pulling the strings from behind in Atupele’s statements,” Munthali told Nyasa Times.

Atupele accused MCP and UTM for allegedly copying his ‘Agenda for change’ ideas from the 2014 campaign.

UDF is yet to launch its elections manifesto on April 9 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

But during the televised debate Atupele sharply critiqued  promises that UTM and MCP have made, on several occasions dismissing the two parties’ manifestos as being long on promises and short on how they would be implemented.

Atupele took Chilima head on the much touted promise to create a million jobs as contradicting UTM’s plan to mechanise agriculture. The UDF candidate suggested mechanisation of agriculture would cut jobs for farmers.

Atupele said running government is “serious business” which required “experience” in State affairs which he said he has so far gained unlike his rivals.

But Chilima snapped: “He (Muluzi) said running government is serious business but failing to read your political opponents’ manifesto in full smacks lack of seriousness.

“One million jobs will be created by many other sectors and mechanisation doesn’t always mean fewer jobs. We have in our manifesto mega farms and other projects.”

Analysing the debate, Munthali told Nyasa Times that while it was so easy for Atupele to criticise the UTM and MCP manifestoes, the UDF leader avoided punching holes in the DPP government policies even in cases where the opportunity allowed him to do so.

“Nevertheless, he was decisive on some of the issues like abolishment of quota system, outlining the current reforms in the health sector under his watch as well as strengthening efficiency in the management of public resources in the education and health sector,” said Munthali.

Atupele said the introduction of quota system of selecting university students had done more harm than good and that UDF will abolish it.

“As UDF, we don’t believe in quota system. Our responsibility will be to ensure that the best and the bright students have fair chance of selection. So we will look for funds to construct more schools to increase students’ admission in schools,” he said.

Munthali also pointed out that Atupele besides the jibes on his rivals; he remained calm throughout the debate “even in cases where he would have been tempted to over react following jeers from part of the audience.”

“However, I think his performance in yesterday’s debate has the potential to rekindle the debate that Atupele may along the way give up his Presidential bid by joining forces with the DPP,” he said.

Atupele insisted UDF was not defending the ruling party in the debate, but championing its own agenda.

When asked by moderator Grace Malera to make closing remarks, Atupele described Chakwera and Chilima as intelligent and “very fine men” and he praised himself for having served in the DPP-led government to serve Malawians.

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51 replies on “Atupele ‘talk of voters’ after Malawi presidential debate: Condemns MCP party of bitterness, UTM of frustration”

  1. Chakwera was very composed on the debate . He is very intelligent and articulate no wonder he won the debate. Malawi need such leaders. The man is also a crowd puller.

  2. I think all sane Malawians are bitter. A few of you are very happy and comfortable and do not see need for any change.

  5. Apart from the answers given, let us assess personalities of these candidates. One would find that Chilima is short tempered and heavy handed. This personality can not be compatible with the present day Malawi. It is unfortunate that sometimes Malawians take long to read these signs of dictatorial elements until they are in trouble with such leaders. It is important to consider aspects of tolerance and willingness to be critisized in these candidates. It is one thing to answer eloquently and another to accept critism. Watch out!

    1. The most dangerous person in life is the one who hides emotions or tries very hard to conceal. Bakili Muluzi could least imagine Bingu (MHSRIP) would at some point betray his trust. Atupele just like father should not lie he’s still hurting.
      Atupele’s demeanor and disposition clearly showed he’s bitter. Zimanja akamayankhula, he was just projecting it at wrong people- Chilima and Chakwera.
      Clearly he’s burning with rage

  6. Atupele kutumidwa nkukanikanso, he can put on a suit right but last debate he didn’t demonstrate good leadership skills and lack self confidence. Waononga chipani cha atate ake nde nkumati angalamulile Malawi? usakhwi chani? (as said by his dad)
    He is a waste of space no wonder APM saw that Chim is much better than him.

  7. I don’t know which school Atupele went?
    During debate when it was his turn to respond first , he was struggling to understand the question and find answers for the same eg the question of Climate change .

    Chilima talked about replanting trees and using modern method of farming
    to avoid soil erosion and Chakwera as well talked about reforestation but Atupele answer was based on every person should own land including women.
    Thats why Chilima said Atupele has difficulties in understand other parties manifesto bcoz he lacks know how .

  8. Well done Atupele Muluzi for exposing Chilima and Chakwera. You have singlehandedly beaten the hell out of UTM and MCP.

  10. I have had respect for Atupele but after following the debate last evening I have felt sorry for myself – I never knew he is such a clueless person claiming to have acquired leadership experience which he can’t demonstrate. UTM has a very clear road map to salvage Malawians from the many plights the country is going through. Atupele could not even share what he has for Malawians – NOT AT ALL.

    I wish Dr Saulos Chilima and UTM all the best as they move on articulating their vision for Malawi – a vision to take Malawi to greater heights.

  11. Muluzi did not join cabinet to serve Malawians, he did so to serve his own interests. Why was it that he was the only one from UDF in cabinet? UDF would have served the country well had they remained on opposition to DPP excesses. Koma anangoti laponda la mphawi. Can’t vote for you anymore. You read their manifesto, but your manifesto is nowhere to be seen. And you said the UTM is over promising, but you can’t mention even one thing in the manifesto.

  12. Kulankhula kombwambwana ndikumeneku 5 yrs akubwezera koma munene kuti 5 yrs ya Kanani & mbava zonse tikatsegula Mikuyu Prison zizikalirama mbeu zosiyanasiyana Chilima adzawatseguliranso factory yoonjezera value mbeu kuika nzitini.

  13. Atupele disgraced himself yesterday. The UDF has shrunk down to being a footstool of the DPP. Shame.

  15. Atupele was spot on and carried the day. He was a voice of reason as opposed to the other two perennially angry, bitter and frustrated agitators masquerading as transformative change agents.

    1. Atupele ife tinamumvetsta. He is a leader. Koma skc ispopmpous. Munthu wakuchitipa Uyu. Kwawo ku ifumbo. Amangonama kuti ndi waku ncheu. Wozipopa kwsmbiri. Muluzi neve r attacked anyone . and enawo they funded anti oti slows. Amangusokotsera. Ku zipopa as if he is the only person in Malawi. Mulungu amadsna nazo zozikweza

  16. What do you expect from the young Muluzi who is dining with the devil himself? Committing to hold accountable those abusing the country’s resources is not vendetta. It is upholding the law. Why should we send to jail a poor man who steals a chicken to feed his family but let the likes of Chaponda ànd Muthalika free to continue enjoying their loot? The law is not for the poor only.

    We understand the young Muluzi as he is the beneficiary of stolen public resources. He would rather be happy seeing us look the other way while he and his bed fellows continue to enjoy stolen public resources. They have caused untold suffering to the masses. Nothing would make me happier than seeing them finally brought to book. They are not more Malawian than the rest of us. We are all equal before the law.

  18. Chilima motoooooooooo kuti bhuuuuuuuuu nayo MBC Radio and TV analinso pati pompo UTM motoooooooo uwo

  19. Atupeleyonso ali ndi mkwiyo. We all know he deliberately remained in DPP as he had hoped he would be picked as APM’s runningmate with the aim of wrestling power from DPP ignoring all advices from his supporters. He is BM’s robot. Now that his hopes are shuttered & frustrated as he wasn’t picked, he then decided to go back to UDF & has started making noise that he (Atupele) owns DPP projects. What a traitor! All because madzi achita katondo mu DPP. Usova Baby Muluzi!

    1. Atupele is in still in his nappies. He can’t stand on his own. Either his father is behind him, funding him or he wanted Mutharika to give the presidency on silver plate. But he forgot the Mutharikas are self centered and selfish people.
      Atambwari ametana, baby Muluzi is bitter and frustrated, he said something from his subconscious level. Anaziulura za m’mtima yekha.

      2. Ndipo ali ndi chinkwiyo that he can’t sell himself and his party, he poorly presented himself.

  20. THATS TRUE,KODI MUNTHU AMENE SANAKHALEPO NDUNA ANGAKWANITSE BWANJI KUYENDETSA DZIKO?SIBWINO AMALAWI KUDZAVOTELA ANTHU AMENE ALI NDI MKWIYO COZ SADZAPANGA CHITUKUKO. ULEMU WANU A MULUZI,ULEMU WANU.

    1. Mr chagomerana sindikukumbukira ngati the late Bingu Wa Muthalika pamene Muluzi amamupatsa president!

    3. We had Bingu RIP he delivered we witnessed how many ministerial positions did he serve?

      2. He worked as a senior minister of planning komanso ku World bank and united nations,,, was that not worthy enough? Tell me the Job of chakwera before politics if not only ubusa….

  21. Sorry, APM for using a back stopper like Atupele!
    Sorry, Atupele for getting used like this! Sorry, for us as a nation to have a president (and running mate), who is scared to stand on a public podium together with his opponents to defend and proclaim himself!

  22. I am surprised by this analysis. If you followed the debate critically, you will notice that Atupele never responded to any question on the floor. He was only playing politics, which was very good. His job was only to check other debatants on whatever they said. You also noticed that he struggled whenever he was first to respond to a question.

  23. Atupele avoided questions. He was in a political gymnasium. He is a fruit that never fell away from Bakili’s chicanery. His best performance was defending the DPP and UDF he was loud on condemning Chilima and Chakwera. Atupele is afraid. He has secret cabins in which the incoming regime might brave into in May. Afraid of vendettas he has nothing to explain about his UDF manifesto.

  24. This message should y carried to the masses in the rural areas
    Chakwera is bitter Chilima is a frustrated crap.

  25. He is a dpp mercenary. That’s the most stupid thing to do. Dpp wrestled power from udf and his father promised that he would deflate the tube he inflated referring to dethrone Bingu. They are now buddies. Clearly Atupele was sent by dpp to castigate or deride Chilima. Let him die with Dpp in May. Mbuzi mwanapiye ameneyu. Akuti speaking like his father that government is serious business. Anyway he accepted that there was corruption from the top (APM) to the bottom (a traffic police officer and accounts clerk). Dobadobas even at the courts.

  26. Atupele, I didn’t know you are just very sharp upstairs, very wise and intelligent in all your responses. I thought you could come out number three out of competeting with the two doctors. You impressed not only my family but also Malawi as a whole. Keep it up Boy!!!!!!! on the question which DR. SKC asked (Munayamba mwawinapo chisankho inu?) Your answer could have been, I am not only speaking in my capacity as Atupele but UDF president and every sane person know that it is UDF that ousted one party system of government of MCP (this means it is naïve for you SKC to ask me that silly question. This is more like kufunsa chinyezi m’mbafa)

  27. Take home message made by young Muluzi ” Amalawi chonde musakabvotere anthu amene ali ndi kwiyo chifukwa five years yonse izatha ndikubwezera” what a wise advise.

    1. Osamangonena zopanda mutu, munthu avotere chipani chimene akufuna kuti chilamulire chifukwa tatopa ndikumangonamizidwa ndi anthu amene akudzazitsa matumba ao ndi chuma cha boma nkhalamba zonse zipite zikapume kapena kumangidwa .Tikufuna boma lotsatira malamulo a dziko mosakondera.

    2. Dziko la Malawi sila pa myundu ayi. In terms of experience, being a Leader of Opposition and a Vice President comparing to a mere boot licker cabinet minister , who of these is really experienced. Chakwera did mention that their are no drugs in the hospitals, why didn`t he dispute that? Which Ministry is it??????Then he claims he has done well. MCHS lecturers have been on strike, as a cabinet minister, what he has he done? Baby Muluzi. His dad used to say wa pakaliyala samaimba belu, ask your dad if a vice president has a voice

    4. Akutanthawuza kuti tikavotere anthu akuba? Momwe umawawira msonkhomu ndiye tipitirize kuvotera akubawa? Wanamatu ameneyu, ndiwabodza. Anagulidwa ndi DPP. His political career in question after May 21. Mercenary politician he is!!!

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