Atupele upbeat, touts himself ‘experienced enough’ to lead Malawi
Youthful United Democratic Front (UDF) presidential hopeful for the forthcoming May 21 elections, Atupele Austin Muluzi, Thursday surprised many when he presented his nomination papers after rife rumours that he would be entering into an electoral alliance with a number of speculated parties including the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Muluzi, who also resigned Wednesday as parliamentarian for Machinga North East constituency in line with constitutional order, according to his personal assistant, was accompanied by thousands of excited UDF supporters clad in their yellow and blue colours.
Looking seemingly confident, Muluzi said in his speech that he was determined and “experienced enough” to lead Malawi.
He said: “Through experience, I have realized that it is possible to steer this nation forward despite belonging to different parties.”
Amidst the deafening chants from supporters, Muluzi continued: “ Through experience, I have realized that it is possible for people who belong to different religions to work towards moving this nation forward.”
Said Muluzi in vernacular Chichewa—a part of his less than five-minute speech: “I have also, through my experience as a Cabinet Minister, learn to handle government matters and situations.”
According to him, the coming in of Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo—who he named running-mate— was instrumental in realising UDF’s dream of forming the next government.
“[Frank] Mwenifumbo is an experienced man who brings with him the much needed support to UDF,” he said.
Mwenifumbo, one of the frontline troops during the change from one-party dictatorship to democracy, dominated the media last year for the political battles between him and Enock Chihana over the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) presidency.
But Muluzi said his choice of Mwenifumbo was only to stamp that UDF does not believe in the politics of discrimination.
“UDF is the only party that manifests practical democracy,” he said.
Atupele, son to former president Bakili Muluzi, has served as legislator for Machinga North East for 15 years—three consecutive terms.
He has served in different Cabinet portifolios including as Minister of Health for which he is the present holder of the office.
“Working alongside the incumbent government has equipped me with capacity to observe and handle critical issues affecting us,” he said.
Part of his manifesto emphasizes on “achieving quality health services for all”, the “freedom of quality education” and that agriculture as the hub of Malawi economy will be rendered with “special attention to benefit the masses.”
In the 2014 presidential elections, Muluzi amassed 770 000 votes—mostly from the eastern region where he commands much support.
The UDF torch bearer described his pair with Mwenifumbo as “perfect choice.”
He said: “This day ushers the rebirth, a new beginning of a young nation with enormous ambitions.”
Mwenifumbo, according to analysts, might help Muluzi get some votes from the divided northern region.
“Mwenifumbo is a strong politician, at least in his constituency. That would help the UDF get some votes from the northern region with the idea that he comes from the region too,” said Pilirani Kachinziri, Times Group head of news and current affairs, during his analysis on Times TV.
Meanwhile, Mwenifumbo in an interview with Zodiak TV at Comesa Hall insists that he is still a member of AFORD.
Family parties indeed we are tired of that, we want to see something totally different and a different mindset. Truth be said, if Bingu Muthalika came in soon after Dr Kamuzu Banda we could’ve witnessed development at a faster rate. AtCheya did contribute yes, but i think things could’ve turned out differently…………………
Total waste of everyone’s time.
Now I know Udf -pp and dpp are family parties –we as Malawians need to move out of this shit !!
Its all Bingus fault. He left udf which sponsored him into power and since then no one trusts anyone except their own children or relatives.
Kachinziri is not a good political analyst. The reason he has given for UDF to get votes in the North are far-fetched. Mwenifumbo does not command the North except for his constituency and that will be inconsequential as far as Malawi politics is concerned. After all what is the population of Karonga even if he gets 50% parliamentary seats in the district. This district is going to be shared by all formidable political parties – namely DPP. MCP, UTM, PP and UDF.
UDF is the only major party that has picked a running mate from the north. Point to consider as well.
Considered. Atumbuka UDF imakulemekezani koma anthu akuchita kusayamika inu! Mxiew
Bola akanatenga Mrs Victoria “Greenvee ” Mponela amakambidwa aja!
Mwenifumbo ndi mbola braz.
I doubt the accuracy of Muluzi’s political outbursts for the following factors/reasons (1) According to the Public Reforms Report his ministry is the most resistant to change. One character that Malawians will be looking for is the ability to lead change successfully. Muluzi’s has been unable to steer reforms otherwise the Reforms Unit would label it a failure (2) His Ministry is known for gross inefficiency, the Min could not account and absorb domestic and foreign funding. The sale of Ministry’s vehicles was done under his nose and yet he pretended not to know. If he couldnt see, smell and… Read more »
When Chakwera resigned kunali mapokopoko especially from UTM who think they know everything and sadly were led by some SC who should know the constitution better. Uyunso wachita resign muti bwa?
Dppp, DPP the end of lomwes. Mutharika a good leader. But fellow lomwes .shaaaa. They have goofed. Goooofed. We wait
Mutharika wake maliseche yemweyi?
why is the runningmate in blue colors when its not aford alliance but himself!! i smell a rat in it for greedy but ur on a losing team.
I made the same observation