National Youth Council commends political parties

National Youth Council of Malawi executive director Aubrey Chibwana has commended political parties that have entrusted the youth with senior leadership positions, saying it is a sign that young men and women are now being recognised as part and parcel of the country’s political system.

Speaking in an interview in Lilongwe on the sidelines of the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM) at the weekend, Chibwana said People’s Party (PP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) should be patted on the back for taking a bold decision to recognise the youth.

Said Chibwana: “In PP, the running mate to President Joyce Banda is Sosten Gwengwe, who is not yet 40. In DPP, Saulos Chilima is also in his 40s, yet he has been made running mate while in UDF Atupele Muluzi is flying the flag for the party despite also being in his 30s.

“This is encouraging because it shows that if one is well exposed and has ventured into politics, he can become president.”

But Mzuzu-based Youth and Society director Charles Kajoloweka warned political parties not to use the youth as pawns to get votes.

“We want these youthful running mates to make telling contributions even when the parties they are representing have carried the day,” he said.

He said one of the resolutions passed during the AGM was the need to encourage the youth to continue with education to become independent.