If I were: Noel Masangwi

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional governor for the South, I would not declare my support for the party’s interim leader Arthur Peter Mutharika in the race for the presidency just because he has resources, compared to his prospective challenger Henry Chimunthu-Banda.

Being a man who holds such a high position, surely I would realise that what is important are the prospective candidates’ policies and leadership qualities, not resources.

If I were bwana Masangwi, I would realise that having resources and being known both locally and internationally is not enough reason to give Mutharika an edge over Chimunthu-Banda, but rather how the candidates will be able to sell themselves to the electorate ahead of the convention.

How I wish I were Masangwi, because I would realise that credibility is an important factor to consider in choosing an ideal leader.

I would also let members of the party in my region exercise their freedom to choose the leader they want other than influence their decision just because of my personal loyalty and support towards one of the prospective candidates.

That is if I were the man who once declared that the country was not ready for a female president. Fortunately, I am not one Noel Masangwi.