If I were

If I were: Peter Mutharika

President of the Republic of Malawi, I would live up to the pledges I made during the campaign to lead an inclusive, tolerant and non-confrontational government, as well as appointing a lean Cabinet of 20, reducing presidential powers, subsidising the price of iron sheets and cement.

I would realise, if I were APM, that I will be under scrutiny from Malawians who will be eager to see whether the promises I made were genuine or a mere political stunt.

I would also recall, if I were Professor Mutharika, that some quarters felt I did very little to exert my authority during my stint as minister of Education when the issue of academic freedom arose, and as minister of External Affairs when British High Commissioner Fergus Cochrane-Dyet was expelled, which raised questions about my leadership capabilities.

I would, therefore, appreciate that my election as President, provides me a chance to prove my critics wrong about my leadership qualities.

How I wish I were APM, because I would further realise that while some people know me as a sober and gentle person, certain sections of Malawians still have bitter memories of the ‘zigubu’ era when the economy sunk to alarming levels.

If I were moya Mutharika, I would also realise that it will be important to demonstrate that I am president of the entire nation and not only for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

That is if only I were His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika. Unfortunately, I am just a scribe that is Garry Chirwa. Chala m’mwamba! Chala m’mwamba!

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If I were

If i were Peter Mutharika

President of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), I would not miss prayers organised by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to seek peaceful Tripartite Elections in the country.

If I were my good professor that is Peter, I would realise that as one of the presidential aspirants, I would have made an effort to attend the crucial prayers in person even if there were other equally pressing issues that needed my attention.

Yes, while it was important to attend International Labour Day celebrations in Lilongwe, I would realise that such a task would have been handled by my running-mate Saulos Chilima considering that the event takes place annually while the elections are held once in every five years.

If only I were the DPP torch bearer, I would realise that while I stood to gain support from workers for attending the function, questions will still be asked as to why I did not attend similar events when I was in government and the assumption will be that I was targetting the votes other than supporting the cause of workers.

As a torch bearer of a party that has a huge following, I would not miss such important prayers because the picture I portrayed was that the prayers were not important, especially when I did not even delegate my runningmate to the event.

If I were Mutharika, I would, therefore make it a point not to miss another prayer session on May 10 to show my commitment towards peaceful, credible and fair elections.

That is if only I were Professor Mutharika, unfortunately I am not the DPP leader. Chala m’mwamba! Chala m’mwamba!

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