Atupele vows: ‘Osadanda’ UDF to lead Malawi to economic change
United Democratic Front (UDF)’s presidential hopeful Atupele Muluzi has said party will lead Malawi into prosperity with transformation agenda in contrast to other parties who want a “race to the bottom” as has been the case in the last 50 years.
Speaking to a crowd at squatter township of Zingwangwa in the commercial city Blantyre on Thursday during a walk-about meetings, Atupele said bemoaned the cost of living crisis, lower wages for those working in both private and public sector, worse terms and conditions, fewer rights at work, saying he wants to provide “strong leadership” to lead a race to the top.
Atupele said he was “increasingly confident” that the country will face “change” after the May 20 elections.
“I am absolutely increasingly confident that there will be change and that we in the UDF will provide that change you can trust,” he said.
A popular politician among the youth, Atupele said he has a strategy for job and wealth creation for youth, saying the specifics are contained in UDF manifesto to be released next month.
“My fellow youths, osadanda (do not worry) with an agenda for change, you will be covered and I have an electoral pact with you all contained in UDF manifesto,” he said.
He said Socio-Economic Transformation plan in UDF manifesto will form the bedrock of its attempt to spur economic growth, which he said has stalled after mismanagement.
The UDF torchbearer condemned self-enrichment by leaders in power, saying “cashgate, political prostitution, and political interference to public institutions such as Police, not under my government.”
He spoke of how he was taught him to listen to people and never to be contemptuous of the views of others.
“Our immediate plan once voted into Government in May will be to stabilize the economy because it is very clear that we will inherit a fiscal crisis. Therefore my immediate task will be economic stability and at the same time provide a cushion to Malawians from the effects of economic mismanagement,” he said.
Atupele said Malawi must attain faster economic growth that is inclusive with strong collaborative partnerships among the government, private sector, citizens and other stakeholders.
He said his administration will put emphasis to “perform and deliver,” telling the crowds that the fight at elections in May is for Economic Change.
