Atupele tells Lilongwe: Believe it, 2014 Malawi to embrace renewal
Youthful presidential aspirant Atupele Muluzi on Sunday yet again proved that the crowds he has been attracting is just a tip on the iceberg, not a fluke either, but the making of a yet to be tested political giant in the central region, the home of his mother.
The UDF 2014 presidential aspirant , who is fast establishing himself as a crowd puller, was touting the Agenda for Change discussion visiting the rural area of Lilongwe district covering Nsaru, Kabudula and finally at Kasiya trading center.
If the Sunday whistle-stop meetings are anything to go by, Atupele seems to have acquired the charisma and magic wand to change the political landscape in the Central region traditionally Malawi Congress Party (MCP) bedrock.
Huge turnout for public rallies may not be the only litmus test for popularity but to some extent it does indicate adoration which is not far from support.
Atupele told jubilant supporters at all the venues that Malawi cannot develop if political leaders remain tailored to old type of politics where personal interests take precedent over National development.
“Leaders must be servants of the people and not bosses,” he enthused.
The UDF leader emphasised the need for the country to embark on long term strategies that will bring sustainable development as opposed to short term strategies that are only aimed at buying the vote for the next elections.
Lilongwe being an Agricultural area, the UDF 2014 Presidential candidate expressed his dissapointment, on how farmers in the area are being exploited by buyers who are offering miserably low prices for their products and selling the same at higher prices outside the country.
He said such “economic exploitation” is making poor farmers in the rural areas, poorer than ever before.
Atupele promised that such abuse will come to an end once the UDF party takes over government next year.
He vowed that 2014 will be “a year for renewal” and that the UDF party will lead a “revolution that will turn things around for the benefit of all Malawians.”
The presidential hopeful said the nation has continued to recycle for the same tired leadership who should now pave way for the new generation.
Atupele told the crowds: “Ladies and gentlemen whether one likes it or not things are changing in Malawi, next year. It’s time for renewal.”
He added: “I believe, we can together complete the change and restore democracy, equal sharing of development in the country, ensure good governance, transparency and accountability.”
He also disclosed the party will be holding its two-day policy conference next month, saying Malawians should submit ideas on the economy, governance, social protection, peace and security.
The UDF president said the submissions would guide and direct core discussions at the policy conference and the party will then release its electoral pact with Malawians in terms of policies and visions.
