Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera yesterday reiterated his support for the 50+1 electoral system, arguing that the present law is counter-development.
Chakwera said this yesterday when he addressed a rally at Mtsiliza Primary School in Lilongwe City West Constituency where he drummed up support for Frank Zikaola for Mtsiliza Ward ahead of the October 17 by-elections.
He observed that a president elected on with a simple majority on the first-past-the-post system usually concentrates on winning the confidence of Malawians instead of development.
“There are several consultations which have concluded that the 50+1 system is ideal for Malawi’s development. Leaders must concentrate on development instead of spending time convincing those who did not vote for them to like them.”
The MCP leader further condemned corruption in the awarding of government contracts, which he said is segregating against competent contractors, and resulting in substandard works.
“We must endeavour that everyone, and not only a few connected to those in power, live a good life. When problems come, they should not be for some people only. We must shoulder them together,” said Chakwera.
The by-elections are expected to take place in Nsanje Lalanje, Lilongwe City South East and Lilongwe Msozi North constituencies and Mtsiliza, Ndirande Makata and Mayani North wards.
The party’s vice-president Richard Msowoya, new-catch Sidik Mia and other heavyweight, who were not present at the rally, were said by a party official, who did not want to be named, to be on party errands. Nation on Sunday could not verify the claim by the party official. n
