I’m Aford but will support Joyce Banda in 2014 – Chihana
Alliance for Democracy (Aford) Member of Parliament for Rumphi Central who is also Sports and Youth development Minister, Enoch Chakufwa Chihana says he will support President Joyce Banda in 2014 presidential elections.
Chihana , son of Malawi’s intrepid freedom fighter and Aford’s founding president the late Tom Chakufwa Chihana, made the remarks in London on Friday at a cocktail party held in honour of Malawi Olympic team currently participating at the London 2012 games.
“I am Aford but come 2014 we will support President Joyce Banda in the presidential elections. Her policies are pro poor and people centred,” he said.
He added: “I will do everything to support her, not because I am a minister in her government but because she has a good vision and wants to take Malawi to a better place.”
Chihana urged Malawians to support the president in her quest to ‘turn around’ things in Malawi, saying the country in a deep economic crisis which president Banda is working tirelessly to create a conducive environment for all people regardless of political affiliation.
And in a separate interview with Nyasa Times, Chihana further said President Banda is a listening president saying she does not just make decisions without consulting adding that she is the right person to propel Malawi out of the economic doldrums.
“I can tell you that our president listens, she is not a person who imposes her opinion to others. Even in cabinet meetings she does listen to what others have to say first and takes on board any advices that are given to her. So in as much as I’m Aford member, I will support her because of her sound policies.
“I will even tell the people who voted for me and sent me to parliament that they must support Joyce Banda. People want development in their areas and if someone is able to do that why not support her,” said Chihana.
Chihana told the gathering that president Banda‘s inclusive cabinet is a sure-fire sign that she wants Malawians to be united.
“The president could’ve appointed ministers only from her party in her cabinet, but she did look beyond political affiliation or membership because her interest is to serve Malawians. And whether one is Aford, Democratic People’s Party,(DPP) , People’s Party (PP) or United Democratic Front (UDF) in the end our goal is the same and that is to serve Malawians and that’s the philosophy that President Joyce Banda has.
“She doesn’t treat me as an Aford member neither does she treat other ministers from other parties differently from those from her party PP because to her, they are Malawians first,” said Chihana.
Chihana said time for politicking is over urging all Malawians to come together to develop the country as one people.
“We must unite in developing our country; as a democratic society we need as many political parties to work together to enhance our democracy but when it comes to development we must not compromise all because of politics for nobody eats politics. We all need our country’s economy to grow and that can only be possible if we put aside our political differences and work together as Malawians,” said Chihana.
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