Atupele calls for devolution of power in Malawi: Rumphi rally draws record crowd
Atupele Muluzi, UDF presidential candidate for 2014 tripartite elections says devolution of power from the central government would give ordinary Malawians real power at the local level and precipitate delivery of public services.
The UDF leader was speaking when he addressed rallies at Bolero and Rumphi boma on Monday.
Addressing thousands of jubilant supporters the UDF 2014 torch bearer said the current situation where every decision has to be made from the central government is prone to abuse of power by the executive and politicisation of national development.
He said the lives of ordinary Malawians are stuck in abject poverty because the country has a political system that allows the privileged few to consume state resources for their own use while disregarding the voices of ordinary Malawians.
He said, however, Malawians can reverse the trend by ushering in a government that has a clear vision with set targets and delivery systems.
“Malawians know their problems, what is critical is how do we get out of these problems,” he said.
He added, “Next year’s elections will be a referendum for the people of Malawi to choose their destiny . Certainly we cannot continue on this path when we all know that we are heading for disaster”.
Atupele surprised the jubilant mammoth crowd when he said that past Malawi presidents including his own father Bakiili Muluzi had their own negatives that Malawians complain about.
He said the next UDF administration will continue all the good programs that the past leaders initiated for the benefit of all Malawians.
However, he was quick to say that all the bad policies of the past administration will never be repeated.
“The elections we are having in May 2014 are crucial. It is about changing Malawi,” he said.
Atupele who said he want to win election based on “battle of ideas”, against foul-mouthing and smear campaign, emphazised that leaders must be accountable to the people they serve and that the citizenry and not boss around.
He said if systems were functioning properly scandals like the infamous cash gate would not happen.
Atupele told crowds that he is not only intereste to win the presidential election for UDF but “to win it for Malawi” that can start prospering.
Atupele will wind up his tour if the north on Tuesday with rallies at Zorozoro in Mzuzu City, Nkhatabay boma and Tukombo before heading back to Lilongwe.
On Wednesday the UDF leader will hold rallies in Salima and Ntcheu districts.
