Malawians should end paternal leadership system – analyst
A political analyst has called on Malawians to end paternal leadership system if the dictatorial tendency by President Bingu wa Mutharika is brought to an end.
Loudon Malingamoyo Phiri said if Malawians want to force the President to start listening to their voices, they should first treat his government as a paternal body.
“Malawians need to show him that they have a role to play to develop this nation. Let those who praise him to do so, but those who are at the suffering, who are in majority, end should come out and challenge his policies. Until then, this government will be put on the right track and move out of this dictatorial leadership we are in,” he said.
He added, “The problem is that the president looks at himself as an absolute leader and controller of everything in the government. He looks at himself as a not-it-all and since he has run out of ideas, he is hitting back at each and everyone who seems to be suggesting some solutions. He doesn’t want to be seen as a total failure.
“Unfortunately, with bootlicking and handclapping cabinet ministers, every day the leadership is turning into worse. He is forgetting that he can try his best to silence the people but not remembering that people do revolt when they are fed up.”
Phiri said this system has been tested elsewhere and failed which in the end has brought revolution and unnecessary halt to the country’s development.
On Mutharika’s sudden change of leadership style, Phiri said the problem is that the cabinet is composed of ‘beggars’ and some ‘old timers’ who believe in nothing but turning people into dictators.
“Unfortunately, the president seems too ignorant to the fact that these people are crucifying him,” he said.
New blood
On the political landscape, Phiri said political parties in Malawi need a complete change.
“Gone is the time when we have presidents who were born in the 40’s. We need the new blood to take over, people who are also new in the politics of Malawi, who will change the administration systems of our political parties.
“What is happening is that since our independence, we have been going through the same method of transitions, Dr. Kamuzu Banda appointed Gwanda Chakuamba as his successor, and Muluzi appointed Mutharika and now Mutharika has appointed his young brother.
“We need to change that, people should be given a chance to choose who they want to be their leader. Its good that some parties go to the conventions, but so far DPP has shown that it is the worst in the history of Malawi,” said Phiri.
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