Chakwera says MCP has ‘rescue plan’ for Malawi
Leader of the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Dr Lazarus Chakwera has blamed the former ruling parties from 1994 for high levels of poverty which Malawians have been suffering for the past 50 years, saying his party is ready to transform the country with what he called a ‘rescue plan’..
Speaking during a mass rally he held in the northern district of Karonga, Chakwera said it is not surprising that after 50 years after Malawi attained its independence from Britain, is still rebelled as an impoverished nation and donor dependent.
“It is clear that a few Malawians have gotten rich while the majority further slip into deep poverty,” he said.
“This is because every president comes to fulfill his or her personal needs,” he said.
Chakwera, who took over from veteran politician John Tembo as MCP leader, deplored the tendency of giving hand outs which he said is helping driving Malawians into poverty.
He said if voted into power, MCP will change this and will introduce national development plan.
The MCP torch bearer also pledged that corruption, wrongful self-enrichment and money laundering will not be accepted at all in the MCP government.
He said MCP will run government and manage public resources on principles of justice, equity, democracy and transparency.
Chakwera pleaded with the party supporters to avoid violence by respecting one another during campaign meetings.
“Every one should follow democratic way of campaigning because it is shameful that Malawians should shed their blood on things that come and go, even if some provokes you, do not revenge,” said the former president of Assemblies of God Church in Malawi.
Chakwera said Malawi “calls for a Rescue Plan”.
He noted that access to water and electricity is a huge challenge for many Malawians and that there is no food security.
“Ironically we have maize available in political rallies and not in established markets like ADMARC,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that we seem to be back to square one as evidenced by acute shortages of food, medical equipment and high levels of unemployment.
“Over 40% of our national budget is financed by donors yet we are plundering or what I may say cashgating our own resources,” he said.
Chakwera appealed to Malawians “never to be cheated into voting for corrupt leaders and parties again”, saying his MCP offers the most viable option to voters.
“We are the best option because we are a clean party that is anchored on Kamuzu’s principles of food security, fiscal discipline, efficient and quality service delivery.
“MCP has the formula to end the political mediocrity, corruption and abuse of public resources. We are a team of serious minded people who are committed to dealing with the challenges the country is facing.”
Chakwera appealed to Malawians to trust him and MCP, saying his party will facilitate change, unleash potential and distribute development fairly and equitably.
En route to Karonga, Chakwera made several stops to address sizeable crowds.
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