Hundreds of people braved the rains on Saturday to witness the launch of opposition People’s Party (PP) Tiuzeni Campaign during a rally at Sakata ground, in sub-Traditional Authority Mkagula in Zomba.
Malawi’s Vice President who is also PP’s president Joyce Banda, said the campaign will see the party asking constituents to outline development projects they want implemented in their areas.
Said Banda: “PP is guided by three cornerstones of unity, equity and development. We will strive to reduce poverty among the people nationwide.
“The current leadership in government has failed Malawians in so many ways.”
She cited the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) as one of the programmes that are benefiting only few people.
“A few people have benefited at the expense of the poor Malawians, for example, the coupon fertiliser subsidy [programme].
“Villagers have been made to access the commodity at a higher and corrupt price of K3 000 ($17) per 50 kilogramme instead of the recommended K500 ($3) which is very unfortunate,” Banda said.
She said people are suffering due to shortages of fuel, forex and drugs in hospitals.
“I cannot stand aside and look at people being [castigated] just because they are voicing out their concerns on the poor governance policies being followed by the State President Bingu wa Mutharika,” said Banda.
She told the gathering not to be cheated by “cheap politicians who want to gain political mileage in the name of bringing development in their areas.
“A lot of politicians will come here and tell you so many things. You are the beneficiaries of development and make sure you only choose those that are trustworthy.
“You are our bosses and you voted us in the positions we are in, so, we have to serve you accordingly,” she said.
At the rally, PP provincial governor Samson Msosa paraded Ken Msonda, who recently joined PP from UDF. He also introduced to the crowd other members who have joined PP.
