DPP governor Sanga tells North Malawi: ‘Support Mutharika or forget about development’

Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional governor for the northern region Kenneth Sanga has heaped blame on Malawi Congress Party (MCP) as retrogressive for making the region “dead north”, saying people of the north should “support President Peter Mutharika” or “forget about DPP’s developmental projects.”

Sanga had told thousands of supporters at a rally during the launch of campaign for the ward-councillor by-elections scheduled for August 25 this month, that he role of opposition parties in the country is to oppose.

DPP is being represented by George Manda. Other contestants include Gibson Chisale for Alliance for Democracy (Aford) and Charles Mulogera for MCP, Ulaya Kaunda and Esmie Jere for Umodzi Party and Mike C. Phiri standing as independent.

“The other day, we, as government wanted to allocate K10 billion towards the National Food Reserve Agency to curb the looming hunger but they [MCP] rejected it,” claimed Sanga.

He added: “Why should you vote for opposition after all?”

Sanga said it was because Mzuzu’s mayor was from opposition that Mzuzu was registering shoddy development.

Mzuzu City’s mayor William Mkandawire belongs to former ruling People’s Party (DPP).

Sanga, who hailed Mzuzu City MP Leonard Njikho for joining the ruling party, accused Mkandawire of simply “taking tea at the Mzuzu civic offices.”

Despite making such statements, several quarters say DPP’s candidate George Manda may “not win the elections.”

Malawi went to the general polls last year, elections which saw the ruling DPP – which was in opposition – emerge victors, ousting then PP government that had assumed power following the death of Pres Bingu wa Mutharika – the current president’s brother.