Mangochi chiefs back MCP, Chakwera
Some traditional leaders in Mangochi stunned the crowd on Saturday when they defiantly declared their backing for opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera in next year’s tripartite elections.
The chiefs expressed their sentiments during a rally Chakwera held at St Michael’s Girls Secondary School ground at Malindi to whip up support for MCP candidate Ambrose Hamisi ahead of tomorrow’s local government by-elections for Malindi Ward.
Over 30 chiefs drawn from around Malindi, Makanjira and Namwera, among others, attended the rally that attracted a huge crowd in an area regarded as a stronghold of the United Democratic Front (UDF).
In their welcoming remarks, three representatives of the traditional leaders took turns to heap praises on Chakwera and his party while demonising and branding the current administration and its leadership as “liars and failures”.
Their comments attracted cheers and applause as MCP members of Parliament (MPs), national executive committee (NEC) members and aspiring parliamentarians swarmed the podium to shower the chiefs with cash in all denominations.
“We know the chiefs are supposed to work with government of the day but we are heartbroken and you know what happens when your people are dejected.
“So, we are now looking up to you [Chakwera] and your team that puts together the new and rejuvenated MCP as our redeemer,” said group village head (GVH) Makumba speaking on behalf chiefs from around Malindi .
On her part, GVH Mdima, speaking on behalf of Namwera chiefs, said political parties have come and gone with their pledges and it was high time they tried Chakwera and his MCP to disconnect Malawians from pangs of poverty.
A representative of GVH Malamia from Makanjira took a swipe at previous administrations for failing to construct the Malindi-Makanjira Road despite pledging the same.
While praising the chiefs for their bold stand in speaking their minds, Chakwera promised to respect them and improve their honoraria to improve their welfare once he gets into government.
He said: “Chiefs are custodians of our respective cultures. They play a significant role in our lives as such they deserve utmost respect.”
While MCP was at St Michael’s Girls Secondary School ground, not far away other parties’ leaders were also busy campaigning for their respect candidates.
For instance, UDF leader Atupele Muluzi, who had a convoy of about 30 vehicles ,was at Mbanda Primary School ground with his team that also had secretary general Kandi Padambo.
People’s Party (PP) had probably the busiest day when its three vice-presidents—Kamlepo Kalua, Beatrice Mwale and Roy Kachale—embarked on whistlestop tour of the ward that took them to Mtengeza, Patalia, Mdala Makunda and Malindi Primary School ground where their rally took place.
Four candidates—Hamisi for MCP, Hassan Chikuta (PP), George Chiwaula (independent) and Kassim Limamu (UDF)—are competing for Malindi Ward. The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is not fielding a candidate, apparently leaving it to its bedfellow UDF. n
