All set for presidential running mates debates
Private broadcaster Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) will this Thursday conduct a presidential running mates debate to provide a platform for citizens to talk to their leaders on issues affecting the nation as a way of promoting good governance.
Five running mates 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 are scheduled to take part in the debate scheduled for March 7 at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe and another one on March 14 at Comesa Hall in Blantyre respectively.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, commercial affairs and public relations director for ZBS Bridget Mkandawire said all five running mates have confirmed their participation in the debates listed to start at 6:30pm.
Mkandawire emphasised that the exercise has nothing to do with the May 21 2019 elections and the institution plans to hold more of such debates to accommodate all stakeholders on the issue of governance.
The debates will be broadcast live on Zodiak Radio as well as Television and all individuals are encouraged to register with ZBS to be allowed entry into the venue or send questions to the running mates through Short Message Service (SMS).
Mkandawire also said all media houses who would like to broadcast the debates live to will be able to get a feed from the station “at no cost.”
The issues to be tabled during the debates include gender and women empowerment, health, agriculture, economy and mining among others.
“The debate will be carried out under strict rules in such a way that those who do not register and get an invitation card won’t be allowed in the auditorium. 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.
Meanwhile, Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi is also organising debates for selected presidential hopefuls in the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections to take place on March 29 and April 5.
National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust on the other hand is organising debates for parliamentary candidates and aspiring councilors in all constituencies and wards from April to May 10 this year to provide a platform for candidates to outline their manifestos to electorate thereby enabling them to make informed choices.
Unlike the two debates, Misa-Malawi has set aside eight requirements, seven of which the presidential hopefuls should fulfill to qualify.
According to Misa Malawi chairperson Teresa Ndanga the requirements include that the candidates, party or coalition should have at least five percent of the 193 seats in the 2014-2019 National Assembly.
The taskforce for the presidential debates comprises representatives of taxpayer-funded Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and privately-owned Times Media Group and Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS).
Times Group editor-in-chief George Kasakula said requirements were put in place to allow only serious candidates in the debate.
Last week the country also saw debates on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In 2014, the country hosted the first-ever presidential debates which saw eight of the 12 aspirants taking part at Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) in Lilongwe on April 22 2014 and 11 during the second leg at Hotel Victoria in Blantyre on April 29 2014.
