Khumbo asks PP losing candidates not to stand as independents
Malawi’s Vice President Khumbo Kachali has advised ruling People’s Party (PP) aspiring candidates in the forthcoming Mzimba Central Constituency by-elections not to stand as independents if they lose in primaries scheduled for August 25.
Speaking Friday during a development rally at Echilumbeni Primary School Ground in Euthini Mzimba, Kachali said those who will lose in the primaries should concede defeat and support the winner during the October 9 by-elections.
“If you lose in the primaries, it means this is not your time to become an MP. Your time will come because there is time for everything,” he said.
Kachali, who is also PP’s Vice President, also advised constituents whose favourite candidate will lose in the primaries to support the winning candidate to heighten the party’s chances of winning the by-elections.
Three candidates, namely Kandodo Mvula, Joseph Mabvuto Kachali and Allam Mudala Wedson Beza will compete in the party’s primary elections.
The Vice President advised the candidates to respect their constituents and to be loyal to the party. He also said party leaders in the region should ensure that the primary elections are free and fair.
Kachali urged people to support President Mrs Joyce Banda and PP to ensure continued economic recovery. He said before PP assumed power on July 7 this year, the country lost its dignity due to poor governance and severe economic problems.
“The country was experiencing erratic fuel supply, there was forex shortage, prices of basic commodities were continuously increasing, and people had no money,” he said and added “ PP government wants economic independence where people have enough money.”
He explained that among other things, economic recovery is being achieved through sound policies that have necessitated good tobacco prices at auction floors enabling farmers to earn more money.
Kachali added that to ensure that farmers earn more money from their produce, government is going to empower ADMARC again so that it should buy more produce from the farmers at better prices than those offered by private traders.
He further said PP government has put strict measures to check illegal immigrants from entering the country to do business illegally at the expense of Malawians.
“PP government will not slide back in its efforts to revive the economy. Due to sound economic policies, other countries are now supporting us. This is why prominent leaders like Hillary Clinton are coming to Malawi,” he said.
On his part, PP’s Deputy Secretary General Harry Mkandawire said people in the constituency would vote for a PP candidate in the by-elections to be assured of infrastructure development in the area since the country’s Vice President comes from the district.
“Since the Vice President comes from Mzimba, there is no way people can vote for another candidate other than PP,” he said.
The PP’s Mzimba District Chairperson Vingstone Hara said the party has grown stronger in the district because people have confidence in the Banda’s administration.
“People appreciate the changes that have taken place since she assumed power. Just after 100 days under Mrs Joyce Banda, we have witnessed availability of fuel and good tobacco prices,” he said.
Mzimba Central Constituency will hold by-elections on October 9 to fill a vacant seat following the death of former legislator Professor Dorton MKandawire. Another by-election will take place in Mzimba South West Constituency to fill a vacant post created by Khumbo Kachali following ascendancy to the office of the Vice President.
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