MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-The people of the northern region have sent a strong and uncompromising message to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its alliance partners: no candidate will get their vote without facing the people directly.

Speaking with unity and conviction, residents said they will not engage in “blind business” (Malonda a mphaka) when it comes to choosing their next leader.

They pointed to President Lazarus Chakwera’s ongoing presence in the region as an example of how a serious contender should campaign by showing up, speaking to the people, and answering tough questions.

“Chakwera is here. He is telling us his plans, and we have the chance to challenge him on things we don’t understand. That is respect,” said one resident.

The people say they have been convinced by Chakwera’s responses to questions about the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) manifesto, as well as his promises to continue major developmental projects in the north if re-elected.

But they are demanding the same from other political parties. “We want to see you, hear you, and question you directly,” they insisted.

When told that DPP–AFORD Alliance second vice president Enoch Chihana had said Professor Peter Mutharika would not need to visit the districts personally, the reaction was swift and decisive: “No!”

“If Mutharika wants the northern vote, let him come here himself. Let him answer our questions. If he does not, then he should forget about the north,” declared one outspoken villager, capturing the mood of the crowd.

The message is clear in the north, leadership is earned face-to-face, not through distant promises