LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-People’s Party (PP) President and former Head of State Joyce Banda has cautioned Malawians against pressuring political parties into forming alliances, stressing that the country must learn from the failures of the Tonse Alliance.
Speaking during a public engagement in Mzuzu, Banda argued that political coalitions should be formed based on trust, shared values, and a genuine commitment to national progress—not out of desperation or short-term political gain.
She emphasized that the Malawian electorate must instead demand transparency, accountability, and integrity from any alliance that seeks to lead the nation.
Banda made it clear that the People’s Party will chart its own independent course and announced that the party will unveil its official manifesto in two weeks.
She outlined key development priorities her administration would pursue if elected into power, including the construction of the long-promised Orton Chirwa International Airport in the Northern Region.
Additionally, she pledged to reintroduce a modern passenger and cargo vessel for Lake Malawi, reviving an essential mode of transportation and commerce for lakeshore communities.
Banda, who hails from the Northern Region, declared her deep personal connection to the area and lamented what she described as the region’s current neglect in national development plans.
She said the North was better developed in the past, and accused authorities of sidelining the region in favor of others, a trend she promised to reverse.
Looking ahead, Banda also announced an ambitious plan to create overseas employment opportunities for Malawian youth.
She explained that such jobs would allow young people to work abroad and send money back home through local bank accounts, thereby supporting families and boosting the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
As Malawi heads toward the September 16 elections, Banda’s message resonates with voters seeking practical solutions, regional inclusivity, and a return to experienced, transparent governance.
