Nyondo joins 2014 presidential race, talks tough
James Nyondo, who contested in 2009 as independent presidential candidate announced on Thursday that he will contest again in 2014 this time under National Salvation Front (NASAF).
Nyondo told a news conference in Blantyre that his government will bring solutions to the problems rocking the country because the previous governments have failed since it is the very same old people in the driving seat.
“Malawi continues to experience the same problems because those running government are the same old people. Our problem is not Malawi but it is the people who lead it. Look at the 2012-13 national budget for example, it favours the rich and not the poor. Already, many people have expressed worry over this budget. The recent devaluation of the Kwacha by 49 percent has increased poverty among Malawians.
“Prices of goods have shot up and many people in the rural areas and even in town cannot afford a packet of sugar or tablet of soap and yet these are the people that vote for us leaders. Look at the size of the cabinet, do we need a cabinet of more than 30 people?” asked Nyondo.
He took a swipe at leader of opposition for harnessing ambitions to become second vice president in the country. He said the country has no money for such a position.
“And to make matters worse, we hear of one opposition party president keeping his fingers crossed for the position of second vice president of the country. Is the economy that good to have that office up and running? Are we losing anything for having no second vice president?” he said.
The youthful Nyondo said NASAF government will put the marginalized and poor people to its heart. He also pledged to improve the conditions of service for civil servants.
“These are the people who get a very little share of the national cake. Civil servants who run the government have been crying for better conditions of service but all the governments we have had paid little or no attention at all. Salaries for teachers, police officers, medical staff, agriculture extension workers and others are meager. No wonder government loses human resources to the private sector. NASAF will improve salaries for civil servants and create job opportunities.
Small enterprises will be boosted.
“We shall create economic empowerment opportunities for women and the youth. As a country we need to invest in the people who will in turn support their country. In short, there is poverty in this country and alleviation of that, is our big priority,” he said.
He boasted that his party has 2.6 million followers who encouraged him to contest in 2014 elections.
Gwanda Chakuamba also announced that he would contest in 2014 because PP government has killed the opposition. Reports indicate that economist Matthews Chikaonda is also expected to announce his candidature “soon”.
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