Time up for old politicians—Nyondo

As Malawi celebrates 48 years of independence, it still suffers from the same problems because the country has had leaders who believe in political monopoly, says president of the National Salvation Front (Nasaf) James Nyondo.

Malawi is celebrating its independence and the climax of the anniversary took place on Friday at Comesa Hall where national prayers were held.

Nyondo said time is up for such leaders because they have no fresh ideas for the country’s development. He was speaking in an e-mail communication on what he made of the independence celebrations in terms of development in Malawi.

“Looking at the governments we have had, the system produced leaders who believe in political monopoly. Monopolies are bad for business. They are bad for any enterprise. Malawi should not have authoritarian leaders who have an authoritarian DNA in their streak. Before they get into office, they suppress or ignore alternative voices with legitimate concerns or issues. Alternative voices are labelled either disloyal or illegitimate. Let us as a nation reject and throw out such leaders,” said Nyondo in an e-mail interview this week.

Nyondo, who contested as an independent presidential candidate in 2009, said those running government since independence are the same old people.

“Our problem is not Malawi, but the people who lead it. Look at the 2012-2013 national budget, for example, it favours the rich and not the poor. The recent devaluation of the kwacha by 49 percent has increased poverty among Malawians. Look at the size of the Cabinet; do we need a Cabinet of more than 30 people?

He said his party will consider civil servants as a priority because they are technocrats of government and yet receive peanuts.

“As a country, we need to invest in the people who will in turn support their country. In short, there is poverty in this country and alleviation of that is our priority,” he said.