Atupele ‘wins’ opinion poll in Daily Times: Updated
An opinion poll survey conducted by Blantyre Newspapers Limited (BNL) to find out the popular candidate in the former ruling United Democratic Front (UDF), indicates Atupele Muluzi, the 33 year-old son of former President Bakili Muluzi emerged winner.
However, the media house which promised to publish results of the opinion survey in its Sunday Times publication, did not release the results, apparently after receiving “pressure” from some quarters in government and within the UDF .
But the results were released and published on Monday in the daily paper.
The BNL though its flagship title the Daily Times asked Malawians, subscribers of Airtel phones, to vote via a premium phone number through SMS that charged each vote K50. They asked who will be suitable to lead UDF in 2014 elections.
The question read: “Who will be the most suitable to lead the UDF and win the 2014 elections?”
People were asked to choose amongst the following: Friday Jumbe, Fahad Assani, Dr George Nga Mtafu, Dr Cassim Chilumpha and Atupele Muluzi.
The published results indicate that Atupele polled 1147 votes followed by Chilumpha with 13 votes. Jumbe polled 9 votes, Assani had 3 and Mtafu two votes.
Daily Times carry normally people’s opinion survey through votes on topical issues and the UDF opinion poll has been so far the one which attracted thousands of voters throughout the country and favoured the young Muluzi.
The young Muluzi, a lawmaker, announced recently that he will seek nomination to stand as presidential candidate for 2014 general elections, disclosing that he is standing on a platform of “change” and based on “new thinking” in politics.
But his political posturing has created divisions in the party with most of its old guards pushing him away and even blackmailing his father to stop his campaign.
The leaders accuse the former president of pushing his son to run for presidency but Atupele claims he is his “own man.”
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