Malewezi says Malawi needs political solution to poll impasse
Former Malawi’s vice president Justin Malawezi says the ongoing election impasse and demands coming with the holding of the first ever tripartite polls have been a learning experience for the country but requires political solution to move foward.
Malewezi, who served as Malawi’s second in command between 1994 and 2004 under the democratically elected leadership of Bakili Muluzi, also said the election impasse cannot be solved in the courts, urging political leaders, under the guidance of the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) to meet and resolve these impasse.
He said the Constitution has delegated powers to Mec with its chairperson being better placed person to summon political party leaders.
“If we continue to go by the daily reports over this issue and each political party doing things in its way, we will never resolve this issue.
“In fact, we will complicate it. We need strong leadership to take the country forward,” said Malewezi.
He then suggested that the four main presidential hopefuls–Peter Mutharika of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Atupele Muluzi of United Democratic Front (UDF) and Joyce Banda of the People’s Party (PP)–should meet and discuss issues concerning the polls to avoid conflicting messages from their followers.
“I think that the leadership of these contending parties should put their heads together, resolve these issues and come up with solutions that can take our country forward,” he stated.
He also recalled that the country has had such challenges before, but they were amicably resolved.
Malewezi further, urged the contending leaders to put the interests of “our Mother Malawi first and give us leadership so that we can progress”.
“To Mec, don’t be discouraged. This is a challenge that you can resolve; if fact, you have already shown your ability to do so,” said Malewezi.
