Chakwera says MCP is reformed from past atrocities
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) presidential candidate Lazarus Chakwela has appealed to people to vote for him as President of the country in next year’s elections during a rally held at Njamba Freedom Park on Saturday in Blantyre, saying his party is reformed from it’s 31 years of atrocities against Malawians.
Chakwera said MCP was now a reformed party and has transformed over the past 20 years it has been in opposition.
“I would like to thank those who have registered. I would also like to ask you to vote for Chakwera as President and MCP Party in next year’s elections,” Chakwera said in his American accent.
Chakwera said the past should not deter Malawians to have hope for the future.
“MCP has learnt a lesson. The future will be different from where we are coming from,” he said.
“MCP is a party of the nation, a party with hope for the future. The convention we held has shown that it is a democratic party because all those who contested for positions are still with the party,” Chakwera said.
“The party is still alive that’s why since 1994 we have been a party of opposition because of those who have worked hard for the party through thick and thick such as Mai Dinala and Members of Parliament.”
Critics have said Chakwera should adequately address the MCP’s past and how to make amends for it.
They note that MCP must show that it is ready, willing and able to leave its past behind it and turn the page not just by saying so, and not just by changing leaders, but by a true project of genuine introspection and sincere reform that is public, verifiable and irreversible.
In his speech, the MCP president said Malawians could not be perennial beggars because it takes away self -esteem and dignity.
“Food should not be a thing of today. Somebody who is hungry is not free, “he said.
He said MCP would strive to destroy the shackles of poverty among Malawians by ensuring food security among Malawians.
The former president of Assemblies of God church in Malawi also appealed to party members to desist from politics of hate speeches.
“There should not be one person from MCP to insult and abuse people. People should see the difference,” he said.
He said the MCP would be transparent and accountable in its business dealings.
The MCP president also said the party would enforce national enterprenuership policy, regularise ulitity services institutions such as Escom and Water Boards to be financially independent.
He applauded the government for the Vale railway project which he said would turn Mwanza (Neno) into a hub of railway network.
Among the high profile figures who attended the rally were former Chief Justice retired Lovemore Munlo, Felix Jumbe, Secretary General Chris Daza, Treasurer General Tony Kandiero.
The crowds at Njamba were not swelling as has been for some political party heavyweights from the southern region that have been addressing rallies there despite imported audience transported to the venue.
