Chakwera hits at Mutharika’s no-show at presidential debate
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Lazarus Chakwera on Friday night faulted President Peter Mutharika for boycotting the first 2019 presidential debate, describing it as a lost opportunity for him to put the spotlight on his record in power.
He described Mutharika’s no-show as a testimony that his government lacked respect for tenants of democracy.
Mutharika said he will not take part in the elections debate as his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says it has reservations with the integrity of those behind the organisation of the same.
University of Malawi’s political analyst Ernest Thindwa said: The DPP missed an opportunity for them to demonstrate to Malawians what they have achieved. They have failed to give Malawians hope of what they have achieved so far during the time they have been ruling the country. They should have claimed what they have implemented.
“However, this will not shake the electorates because the debates will not influence the outcome of the elections.”
Political commentator Humphrey Mvula said it was a great opportunity lost for Mutharika because, as a sitting President, he should have been able to articulate issues to Malawians as he seeks re-election.
The live presidential debates, scheduled to host all the eight presidential aspirants, was divided in three phases with the first done on Friday, the second on April 2 and the final group on April 5 at Bingu International Convetion Centre (BICC).
The presidential debate is being organised by consortium of different entities including media houses, such as the taxpayer-funded Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and privately-owned Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Times Media Group.
Other organisations include Misa Malawi, National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice), Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD), Democracy Works Foundation (DWF), Public Affairs Committee (PAC), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Voluntary Service Organisation, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Malawi Law Society (MLS) and Civil Society Agriculture Network (Cisanet).
Analysts have argued that the reason the DPP has given for its presidential candidate Mutharika not participating in presidential debates is just a cover up.
Guys did you see how half empty the hall was? I don’t think Chakwera wanted APM to take part for any other reason but his supporters to fill up the BICC. Just imagine 3 wannabe parties in the names of MCP, UDF, and UTM with their supporters couldn’t feel up the all. Be scared that wherever you go, DPP has a large following.
Bwana Thindwa why shud a missed opportunity not affect DPP’s votes? U mean a silent voice can make you turn & rush to the bush to rescue someone?
Chakwera should be happy to see that Prof Mutharika was there , he should have taken it as his added advantage to pitch himself to Malawians that he is fit for the job. Why complain about someone instead of praising God he has given you a chance to be heard. If I were him I will take it as an advantage to pitch myself, raise my profile so people can see that am capable to do the job. He was struggling with Hon Atupele who was punching holes in their manifesto, exposing their weaknesses. I could see Chilima reacting in… Read more »
Sokonombwe, what massive development never seen ? While other countries in the SADC region have made tremendous strides in development in the same period we have been independent, Malawi has been stagnant. For example ,most district head quarters in the country have no tared roads, no street lights etc. Such developments are supposed to be basic for a country that has been independent for fifty plus years. But where are we? Still talking of bore holes for our people instead of piped water. Kamuzu strarted gravity fed piped water projects for rural areas like in Machinga. What happened to such… Read more »
But MCP is to blame for this. We wasted 30 years development was not enough. In addition they chased or killed all those who would have helped kamuxu to devrlopm this country. So tilskwisapo ap
your argument does not hold any water , which mcp are u talking of ? mind u , except dpp , every party have got new blood , am sorry u are talking of 30 years of mcp which is being led by Chakwera who was not there by then
It’s almost 25 years ago since MCP left government. MCP was in power for 30 years only 5 years more of the multiparty era. If we had only done half of what MCP did in 30 years the country could be somewhere else. In all honesty, we should have done over 80% of what MCP achieved. So stop blaming MCP, blame your thieving leaders. Just look around the country and count MCP achievements compared with what other governments have achieved. You will feel sorry for yourself.
Fake accent does not know the difference between adaptation to, and mitigating against climate change. Let alone how to manage smallholder agriculture under climate change.
I watched and listened and followed all The proceedings. It was a flaw. It was only Muluzi who convinced me . UTM And MCP grappled . Issues discussed need no president in power to be be there. DPP is justified not to participate. We also development taking place and no need to showcase these through debate . Let’s wait for 21May when the DPP will be ushered back into power with landslide victory and Atupele will be appointed to serve as minister in the Muthariika administration pomwe Lazaro And Saulosi will remain in opposition for another five years
Stupid debate anachita bwino even my own candidate Chilima was useless mxiii
Palibe wachita pa nthawi yache ndichiyani angaloze palibe ndimangazi amenewa mapazi ake
Mukufuna adadie akakugwereni apa?
He feared he’d bite his tongue for failing to articulate & sell his manifesto with his inaudible speech. Instead ali pachepa, phazi thandize! Uyo, APM waonetsa kuphazi kuthawa! Chizadziwe n’chipande pa May 21 pano!