Beat me up when I fail to fulfil promises—aspirant
Aspiring legislator for Blantyre West Constituency on Thursday sent people in stitches after telling them to beat him up when he fails to fulfil his promises once voted into office.
Nicolas Kachingwe Jnr said this during a debate organised by National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust in conjunction with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for aspiring members of Parliament (MPs) in the constituency.
He said he will not retaliate or ask the police to arrest those who would have beaten him up because he believes MPs are supposed to fulfil their campaign promises.
Said Kachingwe Jnr: “The problem is that when voted into power, legislators don’t really care about the challenges that people face in their constituencies.”
Unpacking his manifesto, the youthful aspirant, who is representing United Democratic Front (UDF), said he will ensure that people have access to improved health services, education, safe and potable water.
Other candidates did not agree with Kachingwe, but said they should be kicked out of office before the expiry of their five-year term if they fail to fulfil their manifestos.
A resident of Kuthembwe area, John Kapeta, supported Kachingwe’s idea, saying it is only when parliamentarians are punished that they can do the will of the people.
The debate was the fourth in a series of six debates Nice Trust has planned to conduct in Blantyre Rural. Nice Trust district officer for Blantyre Rural Rose Simfukwe said patronage to the debates was good and aspiring parliamentarians and ward councillors were able to articulate issues.
