Chimulirenji snubs presidential running mates debate: Crowds chant ‘wathawa!’

March 7, 2019 Wongani Chiuta -Nyasa Times 92 Comments

Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential  running mate  Everton Chimulirenji has snubbed the first-ever presidential running mates debates ahead of  the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections  organised by private broadcaster Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS).

Patrons at the debate chant ‘Chimulirenji wathawa!’
Minister Everton Chimlirenji has snubbed the first-ever presidential running mate debates

Chimulirenji was  loudly derided by the packed audience at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe  when he did not show up.

Part of the audience chanted “Chimulirenji wathawa! Wathawa!”

Some were heard murmuring that  Chimulirenji was “too scared” to debate with other panellist and that DPP could be taking the electorate for granted.

Chimulirenji, according to debate host Joah Frank Chakhaza, had communicated to organisers of the debates that he would attend the debates.

“We extended invitation to Democratic Progressive Party running mate and he [Chimulirenji] confirm ed that he was going to come but he has not showed up tonight,” said Chakhaza.

Other running mates who attended included Mohammad Sidik Mia (Malawi Congress Party-MCP), Jerry Jana (People’s Party-PP), Frank Mwenifumbo (United Democratic Front-UDF) and Michael Usi of UTM Party

The refusal by DPP running mate, Chimulirenji, to participate in the BICC debate is not without precedence.

In 2014  former president Joyce Banda’s running mate Sosten Gwengwe also snubbed the second debate.

In the USA, president Lyndon Johnson refused to debate with senator Barry Goldwater in 1964. Johnson was leading in the polls and public speaking was not his forte.

The reasons for Chimulirenji’s no show were not cleared  outlined.

Analysts say debates can influence voters in the election.

The fact remains, though, that the audience in the BICC and those following the proceeds on Zodiak TV and  various media were on Thursday evening denied the opportunity of hearing the side of the sitting government on the themes of the day.

The second debate is scheduled to take place on March 14 at Chichiri International Conference Centre, widely known as Comesa Hall, in Blantyre.

It will be seen if Chimulirenji will then have the guts to attend the debate.

 

 

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92 replies on “Chimulirenji snubs presidential running mates debate: Crowds chant ‘wathawa!’”

  3. Very good move bwana VP. The opposition should have debated last year and choose one candidate to face Rt him chimulirenji. Am sure that would have been a fair debate

  6. and you also forgot to say that all those that snub those debates before were not elected during elections. Ask Gwengwe Sosten

  9. All of you saying bad about DDP here you are not DDP followers, those who support DDP can not leave it because Evarton did not attend the debate. He can even choose not to attend all the debates. He has his right too. You can’t force someone to attend a debate. How many anthu akumudzi amamva chizungu? Lets just wait for May 21.
    I already said amene akulubwalubwa kwambili pa social media ndi matchona ali ku USA,UK, RSA etc vote alibe. Akuona ngati azavota ndi social media. Ine chiphaso nde chili mmanja.

    1. Ndiwe wa bodza, Wiseman. In 2009 I voted for this party. If it is his right as claim it, why did he confirm that he would come only not to! This is damaging! Period!

    2. @ wiseman

      You right buddy. One thing though pamatchonapo waiwala Mutharika . He is one of them.

    3. What is the logic of voting for someone who cannot represent you effectively due to the language barrier. He might be a good man but we need one who can represent our country effectively. It just unfrotunete that the choice fell on some of these people but for sure we needed someone who could do it better

  11. I applaud Mr. Chimulilenji for bunking the debate, seriously he was way off the league of the the other contestants, mwana wachepa uyu, thanks for saving yourself the embarrassment that was awaiting you. Anzanu ena aja zikuoneka kuti akuzitsata zinthu pomwe inu mukanachezera kuthokoza a POLOFESA. Good move man, hats off!

  12. I am of the view that this debate was staged just to humiliate Chimulirenji. In the first place Zodiak never organized to have this but coz of pressure from few interested individuals they did. Tell me if this debate has changed the mind of DPP supporters on voting? The cadets have nothing to worry even if he doesn’t show up in BT. The environment was created to insult Everton and you are my witness with the charting of ” Chimulirenji wathawa” People should also understand that it is not mandatory for one to attend to such gathering and the parties have all the freedom to participate or not. For once let’s respect the decisions of others and stop the egos. Kampeni kumphasa iyayi. If this debate is a missed opportunity for DPP, let’s see that on 23rd May, 2019. For sure we shall witness who is the favorite by the people. Am out.

    2. Mukuchedwa ndi kumaona zinthu using blue glasses. Sometimes wear clear glasses and see things objectively. Know this that the abscondment of Chimulirenji has affected other supporters of DPP mwina except you. Open your eyes bwana.

      1. And why should that bother you if it has affected other DPP menbers? I mean shouldn’t you be celebrating, why are you crying here then. You said the same thing when Chimulirenji was picked as APM’s running mate, and we proved you wrong. Here you are again, we are going to prove you wrong. We real members know our top men’s tactics. There’s no any DPP member who will change their decision to vote for DPP just because Chimulirenji did not attend the debate that was organized by the opposition parties in conjunction with Zodiak.

        1. True my brother JJ, the more they talk, the more I know they are trembling with DPP. Mtengo opanda ma fruits sagenda ayi.

    4. Do you know the essence of any debate? kkkkkkk go and learn brother it will change your mindeset

    5. @ndede
      But we all know the reason why chimulirenji did not show up for the dabate. Let’s not skirt around issues. Chimulirenji has problems with the queen’s language. It’s as simple as that. Why waste your time ndede hallucinating.

    6. Ndede, The debates were meant for anthu anzeru ophunzirafe. Inu we know kuti you will not change your mind. Tilibe nazo ntchito. You’re not the only one who will vote.

      And this is not the first such debate. Just 5 years ago we had a similar debate but I suppose you’re too dumb to remember that too. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who will vote.

      Why are you eager to conclude that the debate was meant to humiliate Chimulirenji? If he is such a good candidate, why should he fear humiliation? Does that mean you agree that he’s an empty tin? Yet that doesn’t bother you that the DPP ticket will have Prof. Sitting Phwi and an empty tin to take over government should he get incapacitated? Thank goodness, you’re not the only one who will vote!

      1. @Holly Tit
        Yes, it’s an admission the guy is an empty tin. Anthu asakuona vuto ndi kuthawa kwa Chimulirenji ndi anthu even kuyikapo galu pa running mate they will still support. Thinking of embiciles.

  13. Hahahaha Chimulirenji why???? The debate was very good and i cant wait to watch the nest debate. MIA ndi Katswiri

  16. Some people are saying this debate was only for those in towns but search me, if you still hold on to those beliefs you are in for a shock as Malawi has changed now people in villages have radios and tvs and the follow politics more than those in towns and cities

  17. Dr using mwatiimilira bwino , pa ose you really prove kut you know things and u can help us

  18. DPP, Malawians are not stupid, we will make you pay for this on May 21st, you’ve taken us for granted, ask Joyce Banda

    2. Anayenera kuthawa basi, akanataniko, zomwe akuganiza ndi kulota kuti wasankhidwa basi. ati akuti Boma sililuza.

  20. I’m mad as hell that DPP would undermine the voters like that, that is very disrespectful !

  23. Whatever the reasons were for missing the debate, …..It did not look good for DPP, it has not sat well with the electrorate,

  25. People have choices to make in life. Only fools are forced by situations to do things. Majority of Malawians in vìllages l wonder how they could benefit from town debates

    1. In your mind you think it is easier to fool anthu akumudzi and still get a vote. Blind loyalty. But do you think such mentality will work for ever? 2019 elections will be a litmus test.

    2. These were not town debates. Debate was aired live in zodiac and people from village had a chance to hear what parties will offer through running mates

  26. A Dzonzi sindine ndinakupangisani kuti Mukhale osaphunzila mwamva😀😀😀🏃🏿‍♀️🏃🏿‍♀️🏃🏿‍♀️🏃🏿‍♀️

  27. Can Nyasa Times tell us about the debate. It was PATHETIC. Not worth considering as a presidential debate. Only person who was up to the job is Jerrry Jana. The rest ndi madeya. Listen to Michael Usi… completely failed to make any argument. Just talking about ‘its about the leader’ and contradicting himsef. My Foot!

    1. A Ndau mukuyankhula za nkabudula. Maybe you’re the one who couldn’t understand the arguments. Mukayezetse. Mwina mmutumo muli mphusi.

    3. @ Holy tit and thyolo thava boy mention one problem area where a feasible solution was provided by any of the candidates. State the problem area and then the solution.

  31. A lot of people here including myself we said Chimulirenji won’t attend kunamizira kuti apulofesa amutuma zintchito zina. This clearly shows how Mutharika goofed by bowing down to the voice of madam and Chisale.

  32. Mwawona nokha a Malawi, kaya inu muli mtawuni kapena mukukhala kumudzi, Chimulirenji osaoneka atabisala kuchipinda. Apa zaonekeratu kuti Peter Mutharika naye sadzapita ku debate.

  33. Probably, it was a calculated move by DPP not to send Mr Chimulirenji. But, shouldn’t NyasaTimes be telling us what transpired in the debate, rather than concentrating on one person who was a “no show”?
    Malawian “Analysts” may be wrong: apparently, public political debates hardly register in voters’ intentions in this country. As there are other factors, many not so subtle, which come into play; and unfortunately, many of them factors may be “hidden” from public view.

    1. kkkkkkkkk ndinamumva michael usi akuti walankhula chizungu, atuti ashumu komanso negosiason kkkkkkk koma abale and yet nyasatimes didn’t see that as inability to speak english?

      1. @pathfinder
        Tsono mbuyache muti manganya samatha chizungu ( of course this is rather lugubrious). Ndiye how would you rate your own running mate chimulirenji ?

  35. Malawians don’t be deceived chimulirenji is educated but education can’t lead the country..

    Chimulirenji have clean records the only problem is, he belongs to the bad party with bad reputation for corruption.

    Komaso can be a good vice-president amawoneka ndi wa yes bwana sangamutsutse Peter.

    But we don’t want all of them we are tired we will kick them off

  36. Its all because Apm made a grave mistake and he will pay a price on May 21. Chakwera is lucky. Apm has helped chakwera in disguise. God bless Malawi

  37. Malawians,just think yourselves that Muthalika has drastically failed to run the government with his PHd,what more with Chimulirenji who is literally dummy in the history of Malawi’s Parliamentary MPs.Malawians,with Muthalika’s unprecedented leadership,our country is running fast into the economic and political quagmires never seen before.However,this proves that Students at Washington University were brilliantly on the right direction when they protested on the streets against Muthalika’s perfomances at the University.Malawians,take this that Chimulirenji is leading a deligation to the UNITED NATIONS OR AU,what is he going to say as in these places people speak English no more no less.Malawians,we are ruining our own country whereby only a handful of rogues connected to the tribal gangs who so far have dangerously dominated the Muthalika’s morally wrong cabinet.It is a lesson to us all to learn about the effects of tribalisn and nepotism which destroyed many nations in mother AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  38. Komatu zikuonela kuti a Chimulirenji/DPP ndiachikoka eti, chifukwatu if it were not, I think this would not have been a big issue. To me this could have been your opportunity to articulate your facts and ideas uninterrupted or unopposed. The fact that you all seem troubled, worried and are talking about this is a clear testimony that you know that DPP has a great “support” and you fear DPP very much. I think now I know that you know kuti DPP is great and is not a force to underestimate. In other words: you are aware that DPP will defeat you. Simple. Nde kachiteni off-book (cancel booking) ma Bus aja mudachita book aja, aja mumati mudzakwera popita kokalumbira aja kikikikiki.

  39. HaMmayo Koma tiona zoda Mutu a Vice aChipani mpaka FUMBI phweeee kuthawaa Debate kikiki😂

  40. Dies this face look like material for serious debate? Come on good people. They say “You never have a second chance to make the first impression”. This man has lost some APM votes. Shaaah!

  41. If he can’t face the local media what more about international media? Is he ever going to represent our country abroad? God have mercy on our country. Let this DPP dissolve in May and save our souls.

  42. Its Simple Really, If the man cant handle a simple live debate then he surely is not fit for the Office of the Presidency. DPP, your 81 year old President is a complete clown for choosing such a half baked running mate. You can forget the election.

  47. I folled the whole debate and having done that I now support Everyone’s failure to participate for one reason: the questioning format was a 100% ploy created by Zodiak to openly humiliate the DPP’s running mate. The questions were simply leading ones all focussing at attacking the current regime’s policies . It was simply a showdown to attack the DPP side.

    3. You are absolutely right my bro. Ndipo kusapezeka kwa Chimulirenji pa debate ija kwa ine i say it was a tactical move by the mighty DPP. Sindingasinthe voti yanga pa DPP chifukwa akuti Chimulirenji sanapezeke pa debate. Oteleyo ndiye kuti kale ndi kale sankanavotera DPP.

      1. @ JJ

        Don’t waste our time and space please. There was nothing tactical about staying way from the debate. Chimulirenji chizungu samatha. Why can’t you accept this simple fact? Kodi mukukhala ngati kuti munthuyo mukumudziwa nokha bwanji. This guy we know him he can’t engage anyone in the queen’s langauge. If I were you I would keep quiet because defending the indefensible only earns chimulirenji more insults.

  49. Well done Chimulirenji for not attending. The paid-up audience of opposition party activists would not have allowed him to speak. The audience has shown its primitivity by chanting. Better not to attend the next one two. Lets see how the remaining clown Manganya, business mafia Mia, confused Mwenefumbo will debate. The only one capable there is Jerry Jana.

    1. Sure, you are right my sister, It was worthless and rubbish. I think a Chimulirenji wa anayionera patali kuti the intention was to target and humiliate him.

  50. There is no benefit for Chimulilenji to attend this debate, & wachita bwino osapitako , ngati zaawawa akachite zionetselo.

      1. Chizungucho akathyapulire ku Britain ndi ku USA, Australia, New Zeeland ndi ku Liberia. Kuno we don’t need it much. Look at your colleagues in Tanzania, China, Russia, Japan, Korea. Do they speak English?

        1. Dziko lasinthatu pano, ndaona maiko ambiri omwe amalimbikisa ma languages awo ayamba kubwera ku west kuno kuzaphunzira English for a yr then akamaliza akumayambano ma degree courses osiyana siyana akamaliza akumachita settle.

      2. Kunyadila Chingelezi ndiye u bulutu apa. Neo-colonialism of the mind.
        Osanyadila chiyankhulire cha kwanu bwa?

      3. KKKKKK akuthyakula chizungu ngati ndani? koma iwe debate ija unaimvela? Mwina nawenso sudziwa chizungu eti? I heard Usi messing up several times. Imagine akuti ashumu, komanso negosiason kkkkkk

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