Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya, who is also member of Parliament (MP) for Karonga Nyungwe, says he will not contest in the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections, and is instead passing the mantle to his daughter Luwani.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Msowoya said he is walking the talk in saying old people should leave positions to the youth.
At 56, the Speaker says he is old and has to pave the way for youths; hence, he has settled for his last-born child to face his rivals.
He said Luwani, 25, happened to be the only one ready for the challenge as his other children, including his son, are occupied with other responsibilities.
Said Msowoya: “When we say old people need to go, I need to walk the talk. I have done my part and I think it is time for young people to take over.”
When asked what would be his stand if Chilima decides to pick him as running mate in the coming elections, Msowoya said he would only comment if that times comes.
“Ha ha ha! I knew all these questions you were heading to that. For now, I cannot comment on that. You don’t cross the river before reaching it,” he said.
Asked if he wished his son carried his legacy, Msowoya said his daughter is up to the task, adding the move is also part of his commitment to support the 50-50 campaign.
He said his family also supports his decision and they want to see Luwani succeed on a United Transformation Movement (UTM) ticket.
Msowoya resigned from Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in June this year and announced he had joined UTM, which is led by Vice-President Saulos Chilima, later in July.
However, he said his daughter is just an aspirant and there could be others also wanting the same seat.
On her part, Luwani, a medical doctor by profession, said she is ready for the challenge, arguing her motivation is to see Malawi graduate from poverty.
“it’s sad that at 54, the country still has high poverty levels. We need to see change,” said Luwani.
In the constituency, she says she wants to continue from where her father will stop.
“I have the passion to serve people at that level and I will need all the help I can get. I have been thinking and talking about it for so long and every time I talked about it I got more serious,” said Luwani.
Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka commended Msowoya for believing in the youth, saying other old people need to follow suit.
“Of course we are not endorsing her as candidate because the party has its own processes. What we are happy about is that he is promoting youth empowerment,” he said.
Msowoya says he does not regret serving as MP for 10 years. He says both the constituents and Malawians will remember him for being a development conscious person.
He says in the 10 years he has done a number of projects, even outside those financed by Constituency Development Fund.
