Peter Mutharika says won’t be barred from contesting elections

Malawi opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika has said there is no law that will bar him  from contesting for  presidency next year.

Speaking during the whistle stops political campaign meeting he conducted in Lilongwe, with a rally at Masintha football ground, Mutharika dismissed assertions that he has a fallback option in case of him barred from standing.

“I am going to stand in the forthcoming elections; there is no any case that will bar me. Believe me, on May 21, I will
be heading to the State House as president of this country,” he said

Mutharika dismissed allegations that he still holds dual citizenship and effectively owes allegiance to a country, other than Malawi [being the United States of America].

Peter Mutharika: I am Malawian citizen, I can prove it
Peter Mutharika: I am Malawian citizen, I can prove it

“I am a Malawian proper and have never been an American citizen,” he insisted.

He claimed Malawi government l has sent a fact finding team to investigate the issue in the US but said he has all his immigration and citizenship documents at his Lilongwe home.

“Trust me, I am a Malawi citizen,” said Mutharika.

“I have a 10 year multiple entry visa for United States of America and 15 year multiple entry for United Kingdom,” he said.

Mutharika, a law professor himself, said he knows Malawi doesn’t allow dual citizenship hence he could not have two citizenship.

The 74-year old Mutharika  is also  answering perjury and treason charges related to the events that happened during the transition soon after the death of his brother president Bingu wa Mutharika in April last year.

But Mutharika said he remains innocent in the cases until proven otherwise by the courts of law.

Analysts have cautioned the DPP to consider another option in case of Mutharika facing challenged to contest.

But Mutharika has said “legal or penal systems should not be used to make it difficult for others or stop them from contesting in the elections. There must be justice and fairness in the whole process.”

Mutharika is one of the presidential candidates alongside Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party (MCP), President Joyce Banda for People’s Party (PP) and Atupele Muluzi for United Democratic Front (UDF).

Notable faces at the rallies were Patricia Kaliati, Nicholas Dausi, Dr Jean Kalirani, Peter Mangulenje, Songazaudzu Sajeni, Shadreck Jonasi and Charles Mchacha.

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