Millions set to watch presidential running mates debate on Zodiak
Millions are set to tune in for a private broadcaster Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) this Thursday as it conduct a presidential running mates debate at Bingu International Convention Center in Lilongwe.
In an interview with Nyasa Times, commercial affairs and public relations director for ZBS Bridget Mkandawire said demand for tickets to attend the live debates at the venue has been overwhelming and many will miss out and only stay in tune to the live TV programme.
Mkandawire also said all media houses who would like to broadcast the debates live to be able to get a feed from the station “at no cost.”
She said all five running mates have confirmed their participation which include Everton Chimulirenji of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Sidik Mia of Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Jerry Jana of People’s Party, Frank Mwenifumbo of United Democratic Front (UDF) and Micheal Usi of UTM.
The second debate after Thursday will be on March 14 at Comesa Hall in Blantyre .
“These are simple debates meant to get views on issues that affect and interest Malawians and all the panelists have confirmed their presence,” Mkandawire said.
“Dressing is formal as such no one will be allowed to put on party colours. We want people to ask issue-based questions and not personal attacks,” she said.
She therefore advised those who have accessed invitation cards to be sited in all the venues by 5:30 in the evening, saying there is a likelihood that all the venues will be packed and the debates are also slated to be starting at 6 o’clock.
The issues to be tabled during the debates include gender and women empowerment, health, agriculture, economy and mining among others.
Zodiak Broadcasting Station is the first radio station to have thought and organize running mates debates and that started in 2014.
The running mate position which later result into one becoming state Vice President if elected is a very vulnerable position. According to section 79 of the Malawian constitution the role of the vice president is to assist the president. The parameters on how to assist the president have not been clearly defined. Throughout the dawn of the multiparty era the vice president issue in Malawi has been characterised by bad blood between the president and his vice. One of the key issues we need to ponder about as a country is why the bad blood. Are there any serious gaps… Read more »
What is happening? The big man athawa ma ma demo KU state House and akuthawa debate. Is this like father like son? Boma lomathawa?
A QUESTION FOR THE RUNNING-MATES: Many parties are promising new jobs to provide regular wage employment for people who used to be farmers, but are any of the parties proposing to train farmers and their families in skills that they could use to supplement their incomes throughout the year? In Europe, before the wealthy classes introduced factory-based wage-slavery during their industrial revolution, farmers’ families were involved in cottage industries that increased their income and allowed them to decide how many hours they wished to work. Such an approach might enable all rural dwellers to improve their lives, not just the… Read more »
Is it true kuti a Dzonzi has pulled out😀😀😀🏃🏿♀️🏃🏿♀️🏃🏿♀️
Kusachedwa kuyiwala, mumkamunena Bingu kuti samatha kuyankhula koma pano mumamtama kuti anapanga zinthu zabwino pa dziko la Malawi, kuyankhula sikusonyeza kutha zinthu.
MEC zatumeni a police to lock up all who will be involved with the debates because kampeni simunatsegulire.
Our problems are not for debates! What is needed is a round table discussion with Govt of the day whether now or after may 21.
Wathawa kante
A Nyasa tiuzeni bwinobwino, kodi is BICC “Bingu International Convesion Centre” kapena “Bingu International Conference Centre???”
Its Bingu International Convention Centre’ Nyasa times is right boss
its conversion and not conference. I had similar question last year
Vitu, make sure you are enlightened enough before you ignorantly point out errors that are neither there nor here. Nyasa times has nowhere talked about ‘convesion’. Nyasatimes has gotten it right. It is a Convention centre!
Baseless….
Wina akuthawa zizungu apa