Chakwera tones down criticism of Mutharika: ‘MCP move on to rebuild’

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Dr Lazarus Chakwera has toned down the criticism on the legitimacy of President Peter Mutharika, dropping for now claims that the President is ruling on a stolen,  urging the MCP followers to bury the past and concentrate on building the party.

Chakwera, whose  party has been refusing to accept the May 20  tripartite elections, was addressing his first rally at Kabwinja Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority Chakhaza in Dowa on Saturday

The MCP president who is also leader of opposition said  it is  now time “to bury the hatches and move on for the sake of progress”  .

MCP has always claimed that Mutharika did not genuinely win the May elections, saying he stole votes from Chakwera.

The MCP president maintained that  he conceded defeat for the sake of peace.

“I was very angry with the electoral results but I love peace and I love my country it would be awkward if I could continue with my resentment that is why I am also urging all MCP supporters wherever you are to forgive and forget what happened and forge ahead in building the party,” said Chakwera.

Chakwera, who came second in the election with 27.8% of the vote said history will judge him and MCP “ kindly” on what happened in the election pertaining to the declaration of the Presidential winner.

Mutharika is the brother of the late President Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in office in 2012, and obtained 36.4% of the vote, according to the Malawi Electoral Commission.

During the rally, Chakwera welcomed into the MCP fold   Dr Elias Chakwela who was voted as an independent Member of Parliament, after flooring veteran politician, Lyton Dzombe.