Tag Archives: Peoples’ Party (PP)

Opinion, Politics

Know Your Presidential Aspirant: Dr Joyce Banda, controversial comeback, nothing new on table, lacks substance

MaraviPost

Dr. Joyce Banda’s decision to enter the race for the presidency in the upcoming September 16 elections is a significant moment in Malawi’s political landscape.

As one of the 17 candidates who have collected nomination forms, her candidacy is noteworthy not only because she is a woman in a predominantly male political arena but also due to the complex legacy she carries from her previous tenure as president.

While her ambition to reclaim the presidency can be seen as a commendable effort to challenge gender norms and inspire other women in politics, it is also marred by the controversies surrounding her past, particularly the infamous “Cashgate” scandal that has left a lasting stain on her reputation.

Banda’s entry into the race is a bold statement in a country where female political representation remains significantly low.

Her previous presidency from 2012 to 2014 marked a historic moment for Malawi, as she became the first female president in the country and the second in Africa.

Her rise to power was celebrated as a breakthrough for women’s leadership, and her initial policies aimed at improving the lives of Malawians, particularly women and children, garnered international acclaim.

However, her administration was also plagued by corruption scandals, most notably the Cashgate scandal, which involved the embezzlement of public funds by government officials and private sector actors.

This scandal not only tarnished her administration but also raised questions about her leadership and ability to govern effectively.

The Cashgate scandal was a watershed moment in Malawian politics, leading to widespread public outrage and a loss of faith in Banda’s government.

The scandal revealed deep-seated issues of corruption within the Malawian political system, and while Banda initially positioned herself as a reformer, the revelations of financial mismanagement and corruption during her presidency severely dented her credibility.

Many citizens felt betrayed, as the very leader who had promised to fight corruption was implicated in a scandal that highlighted the systemic issues plaguing the country.

This legacy of corruption continues to haunt her, and as she seeks to make a political comeback, it raises critical questions about her ability to regain the trust of the electorate.

Banda’s return to the political arena is indeed a curious one. While her ambition to run for president again can be interpreted as a desire to rectify past mistakes and contribute positively to the nation, it also appears to lack a clear vision or platform that resonates with the current needs and aspirations of the Malawian people.

The political landscape has evolved since her presidency, and the electorate is now more informed and demanding of accountability and transparency from their leaders.

In this context, Banda’s candidacy seems to lack the substance and innovative ideas that are crucial for addressing the pressing challenges facing Malawi today, such as poverty, unemployment, and corruption.

Moreover, her comeback raises questions about her motivations. Is she genuinely interested in serving the people of Malawi, or is she seeking to reclaim power for personal reasons? The absence of a robust campaign strategy or a clear articulation of her policies suggests that her return may be more about personal ambition than a commitment to public service.

In a political environment that has become increasingly competitive, with a growing number of candidates vying for the presidency, Banda’s lack of a compelling narrative or a distinct policy agenda makes her candidacy appear somewhat out of touch with the realities of the electorate.

Furthermore, the political dynamics in Malawi have shifted significantly since Banda’s presidency. The emergence of new political parties and leaders has transformed the landscape, and voters are now looking for fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the challenges they face.

Banda’s previous tenure, marked by both achievements and failures, may not resonate with a younger generation of voters who are seeking change and progress. Her past, particularly the Cashgate scandal, continues to loom large, and it is unclear how she plans to address these issues in her campaign.

The electorate is likely to scrutinize her past actions and hold her accountable for the failures of her previous administration, making it difficult for her to distance herself from the controversies that defined her time in office.

In a male-dominated political environment, Banda’s candidacy is undoubtedly a step forward for women’s representation in Malawi.

However, it is essential to recognize that gender alone does not guarantee effective leadership or a commitment to good governance. The electorate is increasingly aware of the need for leaders who can demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving the public.

While Banda’s presence in the race may inspire other women to pursue political careers, it is crucial that her candidacy is evaluated based on her track record and the policies she proposes, rather than solely on her gender.

As the election date approaches, Banda faces the daunting task of convincing the electorate that she has learned from her past mistakes and is capable of leading Malawi towards a brighter future. This will require not only a clear articulation of her vision and policies but also a willingness to engage with the public and address their concerns.

The electorate is looking for leaders who can inspire confidence and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability, qualities that were called into question during her previous administration.

Dr. Joyce Banda’s decision to run for president again is a complex and multifaceted issue.

While her candidacy represents a significant step for women’s representation in a male-dominated political landscape, it is also overshadowed by the controversies of her past, particularly the Cashgate scandal.

As she seeks to make a political comeback, Banda must confront the challenges of regaining the trust of the electorate and articulating a compelling vision for the future of Malawi.

The political landscape has evolved, and voters are now more discerning and demanding of their leaders.

Banda’s ability to navigate these challenges will ultimately determine her success in the upcoming elections and her legacy in Malawian politics.

Politics

Joyce Banda warns against forced political alliances

Burnett Munthali

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.

Opinion

Chimulilenji at the center of Gertrude Mutharika’s presidential ambitions?

Patseni Mauka

Chimulirenji
Chimulirenji promised better Malawi for the less privileged, pic by Zenak matkenya – Mana

Written by Patseni Mauka

In keeping with the tradition of making sure that a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President is a ‘Mutharika’, Gertrude Mutharika is planning to take over as leader of DPP when President Peter Mutharika retires or gets incapacitated. Despite being old and frail, 80-year-old Mutharika is standing for a second term.

Gertrude Mutharika
Malawi’s First Lady, Prof. Gertrude Mutharika asked the women to respond positively to God’s calling – PICS CREDIT: Abel Ikiloni, Malawi News Agency (Mana) Photojournalist

Malawi politics is full of party dynasties which are a threat to democracy because leaders are chosen on family reasons not their capabilities. Parties like United Democratic Front (UDF) and People’s Party (PP) are almost at the point of extinction because of unilateral decisions by leaders who feel their families own the parties. UDF belongs to the Muluzi’s, DPP to the Mutharika’s and PP belongs to the Banda dynasty.

Malawian women ganged up to Stop foul-mouthed Ben Phiri’s Parliamentary seat bid

The DPP, which in the 2009 general elections scooped a majority of 112 seats in parliament and got 66 percent of the votes for the presidential election, is on the decline with latest research showing that its popularity is way below 25 percent. This is because the party is run like a tribal club and a Mutharika farm.

In what was supposed to be a secret plan, at first, Gertrude Mutharika wanted President Mutharika to select her as running mate, a suggestion that was quickly abandoned because of the realization that Malawians would oppose the terrible idea of having the president and his wife on a ballot paper.

Then she pondered on the idea of having scandalous DPP’s Director of Elections Ben Phiri as running mate to Mutharika. Upon consultation with Mutharika’s other puppet-master bodyguard Norman Chisale, she settled for Everton Chimulilenji because he comes from Chisale’s home district of Ntcheu and is a puppet who can be easily manipulated.

Until the day for presentation of nomination papers, many DPP gurus didn’t know who would be picked as running mate. When Chimulilenji’s name was unveiled, senior DPP members were disappointed and sad. Among the most disappointed faces were Goodall Gondwe, Bright Msaka, Henry Mussa and Kondwani Nankhumwa. Even the foul-mouthed Charles Mchacha could not afford a plastic smile.

A few months after his appointment, there is still evidence that Chimulilenji is overwhelmed. He didn’t expect it and he know he is not good enough for the post. Although DPP is trying so hard to deny it, Chimulilenji is showing all signs of someone trying to seek acceptance from DPP members. Unfortunately, he is not smart enough to conceal his desperation to get accepted.

According to inside sources, with information on the president’s health, Gertrude Mutharika wants to initially have Chimulilenji as president if the president gets incapacitated. Chimulilenji would then choose her as vice president without having to face the electorate. The plan is then to use the position of vice president as a steppingstone to the presidency.

The first lady has become so powerful that government departments can’t offer contracts to any company before her verbal approval. All big contracts are now given to companies related to her or those that have made deals with her. She has become stinking rich although she has no salary or any business that could make her so rich. Among other things, she is now building flats in Lilongwe full of a tarmac road specially built for her flats. She uses her position as first lady to get money using questionable means.

According to The Nation newspaper, in November 2014 Madame Mutharika personally wrote a letter to NAC alongside, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and Mulhako wa Alomwe asking for funds that had nothing to do with Aids activities. Mutharika asked for K5 million for her Beam Trust, NIB asked for K43 million while Mulhako wa Alomwe was given K9 million.

The paper further reported that these donations came against the background of NAC announcing that it would scale down its funding mechanisms in HIV and Aids due to funding. Civil Society Organization (CSOs) tried to force the first lady to return the money but she refused.

Her current attempt to take over DPP and bid for the Malawi presidency is a continuation of her greed for money. Having easily gotten rich within the last five years, she wants to be the ultimate treasury keeper and fleece Malawi even more. A vote for Peter Mutharika is a vote for Everton Chimulilenji and a big vote for Gertrude Mutharika’s presidential ambitions.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of the Publisher or the Editor of Maravi Post

 

 

Opinion, Top News

Answered: Why Joyce Banda is not being arrested on her role on cashgate

Patseni Mauka 1 Comment

Joyce Banda and Lutepo
Good old days: Oswald Lutepo with former President Joyce Banda

Written by Patseni Mauka

One of the questions that many Malawians ask on Joyce Banda’s involvement in the cashgate financial scandal is; why is Joyce Banda not being arrested despite the fact that one of the key men in the scandal, Oswald Lutepo, who was convicted and jailed, said he was sent to steal billions of Kwachas by her?

Lutepo denies having sex in prison

Some people who ask this question in defending their leader, Joyce Banda, ignorantly or conveniently believe she is innocent. This group further says that the fact that five years down the line, she has not been arrested, means there is no evidence of her involvement. As we are going to see from the analysis below, nothing could be further from the truth. Some people ask the same question because they are genuinely ignorant about how deep the acts of stealing have gone in government.

The answer to this question lies in what Justice Prof. R.E. Kapindu said in his judgment sentencing Lutepo to 11 years imprisonment with hard labor after being found guilty on charges of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. The judge wrote the following;

The facts led by the State, as well as the confession statement of the convict herein, Mr. Oswald Flywell Gideon Lutepo (hereafter referred to alternatively as Mr. Lutepo or the convict), dated 5 June 2015 suggest two categories of plunderers of State funds that the convict collaborated with in 2013. First were politicians, described by the convict as “highly placed politicians”. He proceeded to name these “Highly placed politicians” in his Statement made to the State dated 28 July 2015, and his “Declaration of Beneficiaries of Bank Transactions” dated 3rd September 2015.

I must immediately mention that I am mindful that such politicians and other persons mentioned by the convict as the masterminds and main beneficiaries of the laundered money are not before this Court. Proof of their involvement and role, in point of law, can only be established if they are charged, tried and convicted by a competent Court of law.

Given the facts laid bare before me however, I would wish to see of principle. If indeed it be proven that such highly placed politicians were the ultimate masterminds of this plunder of State resources and primarily so for purposes of “cash-rolling” a political campaign, this would represent a major governance catastrophe that befell this nation.

It would entail that such politicians thought that the best way to garner the sustained trust of the people of Malawi in order to gain or remain in power, was to fundamentally breach the very trust those people had reposed in them in the first place……….

The second category of plunderers, the facts suggest, were collaborators with those in the first category. This was a group of very greedy people, businesspeople and civil servants, who apparently had a get-rich-quick mentality. They seem to have had no sense of shame in wallowing in the luxuries of embezzled taxpayers’ money, whilst the greater lot of Malawian taxpayers were drowning in the misery of acute lack of essential service delivery. These are the type of people who somehow derive pride in reaping where they did not sow. I take judicial notice that several of them have now been convicted and are either serving prison terms or are awaiting sentence and other concomitant processes.

From the above excerpt, we can see that the master-minders of cashgate were politicians trusted with taxpayer’s money. In this case, the chief custodian of taxpayer’s money was former President Joyce Banda. Lutepo mentioned Joyce Banda and her People’s Party (PP) as the main beneficiaries of billions of stolen taxpayers’ money.

Lutepo said the money was for PP’s 2014 campaign. He was a member of PP and was seen many times in the company of Joyce Banda at State House ‘donating’ vehicles. He ‘donated’ billions of Kwachas in cash and kind. For money to come out of government accounts without obvious connections to them, politicians led by Joyce Banda sought help from unscrupulous businessmen. But they had to reward civil servants whose help was needed for the money to come out.

It must be noted that most of the money that was siphoned out of government accounts was deposited into bank accounts of businessmen without offering any service or goods to government. It was just a way of taking the money out. No sane person would believe that such billions of Kwachas would leave government accounts through the businessmen and ultimately into Joyce Banda’s hands without her approval. Most importantly, in this case we have a convicted witness who revealed how Joyce Banda benefited from this money.

Unfortunately, the only people who have been taken to court and convicted are the businessmen and some civil servants. The politicians who are the master-minders are freely roaming the streets and making coalitions with other politicians to be elected back into government in order to continue from where they left. No senior politician has been charged and tried.

In the above statement, Justice Kapindu literally said ‘charge those politicians and bring them to court so that we should do our work.’ The courts can only do their job if the politicians are charged and taken to court. That job is for the executive branch of government which as everyone knows is headed by politicians!

So, getting back to the question; why is Joyce Banda not being arrested? Firstly, if the politicians had their way, they would have loved to just sign a cheque and get the money from the consolidated account. But that would be ‘openly’ stealing, and it would dent their ‘good image’ and land them into jail quickly.

In order to make sure that the stealing should not be traced back to them, they organized a syndicate that would help them cover their tracks. This folk is pure mafia style way of doing things. Only that in this case, these are the people that are trusted with billions of taxpayers’ money by millions of Malawians.

Richard and Joyce Banda
Former President Joyce Banda: Malawi’s Most Romantic Couple – President Joyce Banda and Richard Banda of Malawi

For Joyce Banda, advice on covering her tracks must have been close to her because she is married to former Chief Justice Richard Banda. If you think she orchestrated all this without her husband’s legal advice, you must be someone who believes in Santa. Joyce Banda has publicly bragged that her husband is her number one lawyer. So yes, she planned with her number one lawyer to cover her tracks.

This means charging and successfully prosecuting Joyce Banda would require detailed investigations. Although it would be a poor reason for not prosecuting her, this could be why the current government is not arresting her. But I refuse to believe that the government would fail to prosecute a criminal whose convicted accomplices mentioned her. It just requires the executive branch of government to make a move and let government prosecutors and the courts do their work.

However, remember the executive branch which is supposed to charge such criminals and take them to court is headed by politicians. The current ruling DPP politicians have their own version of cashgate dating way back before Joyce Banda became president. On top of that Joyce Banda was one of the senior DPP members when the DPP version of cashgate took place.

Joyce Banda and Bingu Campaigning

Even though Joyce Banda is now a political rival to DPP, their roots are entangled, so is their style of stealing money from account number one. DPP would also pay a heavy price if the trial of Joyce Banda revealed more on DPP version of cashgate. Seven ministers in the current cabinet are implicated in the DPP cashgate. That is why Peter Mutharika, the head of state cannot prosecute Joyce Banda.

These are the main reasons why Joyce Banda is not being arrested. Trials for politicians are complicated because the executive branch of government which is supposed to make the first move in prosecutions is headed by politicians. Just look at the corruption trial of Bakili Muluzi which has taken over 12 years without direction with DPP ‘taking care of him’ because Bakili ‘s son, Atupele is in a political marriage with them.

Joyce Banda’s current political objective is getting back into government in order to be assured of maximum protection from prosecution. For now, she has taken a gamble on Lazarus Chakwera and MCP. In the unlikely event that MCP wins the 2019 elections, Chakwera will reward Joyce Banda’s electoral support with protection from prosecution on fraud and money laundering. That is apart from the promised ministerial positions Joyce Banda revealed last week.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of the Publisher or the Editor of Maravi Post

 

Opinion

An Alliance borne out of desperation likely the beginning of the end for UTM

MaraviPost
Joyce Banda and Chilima
UITM, PP, AFORD, Tikonze electoral alliance deal sealed

Opinion by James Nyirongo

According to the rumor mill the Instigator of UTM Callista Chimombo – Mutharika is not enthusiastic about the proposed Alliance announced with Fanfare by embattled Vice President Saulos Chilima.

Posting on the official UTM Facebook page reads, I am pleased to inform you that, earlier today, the UTM signed a joint statement with three political parties, agreeing to work together towards the May 2019 tripartite elections.

This alliance with the People’s Party (PP), The Alliance for Democracy (Aford) and Tikonze People’s Movement serves to further cement our victory at the polls come May 21. Meanwhile, the door remains open to all democratic forces that seek a new beginning for Malawi.

As a strong believer in strength of unity, I urge all UTM supporters to accept and support the birth of this landmark development.

Further details, including the unveiling of the torchbearer for the alliance, will be made at a press conference to be held in Lilongwe, on Monday, 4th February 2019.

However even before the final agreement has been made available many are questioning the wisdom of uniting with a losing party like peoples party that does not have any chance of bringing votes to UTM but will likely lose the party many voters.

Many remember how Joyce Banda arrested people like Akweni and  Callista Mutharika blames Joyce Banda’s resistance to her husband Bingu as partly to blame for his death.

Political commentators have warned former president Joyce Banda to reject the temptation of imposing her son, Roy Kachale, as Saulos Chilima’s running mate.

The analysts say if the newly formed electoral alliance wants to preach transformation, then it should start by walking the sermon.

The arrest of Midnight six

Midnight Six
Malawi Govt Drops ‘Midnight Six’ , Bineth Trust Cases

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led administration  dropped a number high profile cases including the case involving President Peter Mutharika and six others who were accused of a coup plot and intending to rape the constitution to prevent the then Vice President Joyce Banda from taking over after President Bingu wa Mutharika’s death on April 5.

On April 6 at midnight, Mutharika who was leading the opposition DPP and six other ministers reportedly spearheaded by former Information Minister Patricia Kaliati held a live news conference to argue that the then former President Banda was ineligible to succeed because she was no longer a member of the ruling party

This Alliance will alienate more supporters of the UTM than what the leaders anticipate and could  spell the beginning of the end.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of the Publisher or the Editor of Maravi Post

Politics, Top News

People’s Party  tipped to win 2019 Malawi polls….favoured for pro-poor policies

Maravi Post Author 3 Comments

Joyce-Banda 

By Arnold Mnelemba

 

A survey conducted by a renowned professor Steve Leonard Mwale has revealed that the opposition People’s Party (PP) stand more chances to win the forthcoming 2019 tripartite polls.

 

According to the findings, PP is rated highly amongst people in remote areas and that most Malawians now believe that the party’s leader Dr. Joyce Banda did well during her  two year term from 2012 to 2014.

 

Key amongst the reasons include the ability to fix the economy, provision of reliable electricity during her reign of office, good policies favouring the poor, uplifting of welfare for police officers, nurses, teachers and chiefs as well as good and reasonable selling prices for farm produce.

 

The survey conducted within a space of a month, show that People’s party is more strong in the lower shire, part of southern region, eastern region, part of central region and the north.

 

The results favours the party on average by a margin of slightly over 40 percent as compared to the rest of other political parties that include the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Malawi Congress (MCP) and indeed the new kid on the block, United Transformation Movement (UTM).

 

The survey also indicated that UDF has lost people’s trust to PP especially in the East where the party used to be strong.

 

The survey puts the opposition MCP on second position, the ruling DPP on third position while UTM is pegged at 4th position.

 

According to latest Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) statistics over 6 million people are confirmed registered voters with registering about 13.59%, northern region, 42.55% central region and 43.85% southern region.

 

The findings by professor Mwale are as follows district by district.

 

Nsanje

PP 32%

MCP 29%….

DPP13%….

Utm 26%……

 

Chikwawa

PP 36%

MCP 33% …..

DPP 15%

Utm 16%…..

 

Mwanza

PP 35%

MCP 23% …

DPP 27%…..

Utm 15% ….

 

Neno

PP 26%

MCP 19%…..

DPP 31% ……

Utm 24%…….

 

Phalombe

PP 16

MCP 5%….

DPP 74%…..

Utm 5%…..

 

Chiladzulu

MCP 10%……

DPP 63%…..

PP 12%

Utm 14 %……

 

Mulanje

MCP 6%……

PP 24

DPP 40%……

Utm 30%……

 

Thyolo

MCP 11%…….

DPP 65%….

PP 14

Utm 10%……

 

Blantyre

MCP 25%….

PP 23%

DPP 37%…..

Utm 15%……

 

Zomba

MCP 20% ……

DPP 19%……

PP 51%

Utm 10%…..

 

Mangochi

MCP 4%……

PP 56%

DPP 11%…..

Utm  29%…..

 

Machinga

MCP 10 %……

DPP 19 %…..

UTM 27%……

PP    47%….

 

Balaka

MCP 15%….

DPP  30%…..

UTM  20%……

PP     35%….

 

Ntcheu

MCP 28%……

DPP 2%……

UTM 38%……

PP    32%…

 

Dedza

MCP 50%…..

DPP  4%…….

UTM  19%…….

PP    27%……

 

Lilongwe

MCP 40%……

DPP 5%……

UTM 20%…..

PP    35%…..

 

Salima

MCP 45%……

DPP  7%……

UTM 13%……

PP     35%……

 

Nkhotakota

MCP 33%……

DPP 16%……..

UTM 23%……

PP    28%…..

 

Ntchisi

MCP 50%…..

DPP 1%…..

UTM 1%……

PP    48%….

 

Dowa

MCP 66%……

DPP 1%……

Utm 1%……

PP    32%….

 

Mchinji

MCP 60%…….

DPP  4%……

Utm  6%……

PP    30%…

 

Kasungu

MCP 51%……

DPP 1%…..

Utm 1%…..

PP    47%….

 

Mzimba

MCP 30%…..

DPP  13%……

Utm  20%……

PP    37%….

 

Nkhatabay

MCP 30%….

DPP  11%…..

Utm  20%…….

PP    39%…..

 

Rumphi

MCP 23%…

DPP 11% ……

Utm 29%……

PP   37%….

 

Karonga

MCP 21%……

DPP 23%……

Utm 19%……

PP    37%…

 

Chitipa

 

MCP 18%……

DPP  27%…..

Utm  25%…….

PP     30%……

Politics, Top News

Malawi former president JB seeks fresh mandate….promises ‘posterity for all; Road to 2019

Lloyd M’bwana
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The former Malawi  president Joyce Banda  on Thursday sought afresh mandate from Malawians with promises of  ‘posterity for all.
Banda popularly known JB  got the nod to lead People’s Party (PP) after won the presidential seat during the party’s elective convention at Robins Park in Blantyre.
The former Malawi leader said that she has a plan to drive ‘prosperity for all’ that will get the country moving when voted back to power in May 21 2019 Tripartite elections.
Banda was feeling shocked and bruised by 2014’s presidential elections defeat where she finished third and says she’s been in listening mode ever since.
JB reminded the nation that her administration laid a foundation for economic diversification and growth, for modernization and upliftment; which has eclipsed during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) four-years-rule.
She said rather than tweaking what has failed with DPP, her party will bring set of policy alternatives that will bring about major social and economic reforms.
Banda said it will be ‘Phase 2’ to build from the two-year rule when it restored the donor confidence and relations with the international community.
‘Our people are nostalgic of the Peoples Party leadership. Precious memories indeed of a country that was ready to take off. And this is our commitment and our promise: we shall never promise what we have not done and what we cannot do. We are tried and tested leadership. We have experience of running government.
“We have also learned our lessons: in government and in building our party. Let these lessons be our foundation and pillar in making the Peoples Party strong and resilient, capable of winning the next elections,” said Banda.
She said PP is proposing a new agenda for the next five years.
“Today, we seek to mobilise and unite all Malawians around this common vision: Prosperity for All. This agenda seeks to improve the lives of all Malawians through quality education; building capable institutions for service delivery; modernization through innovation and technology; and economic diversification and growth,” the first woman to become President in Malawi, said.
She said the PP has a concrete economic diversification and growth plan that is able to drive and uplift Malawi out of abject poverty.
JB adds, “Our economy cannot continue to survive on tobacco and subsistence agriculture. The Peoples Party will mainstream E-Commerce so that we can reduce costs of doing business and favorably compete with our neighbours and the world.
“More importantly, through phase two of the Economic Recovery Plan and the National Export Strategy, the Peoples Party will continue diversifying and growing the economy”.
Specifically, among other programs, Banda promised tp launch a Universal Fertilizer Subsidy for both commercial and subsistence farmers.
She said they will ensure that every two years the government launch a new mine in the country.
Banda also said her administration will launch trans-general electricity generation and distribution projects to support mining and big investments.
“[We will] establish an Agriculture and Development Bank to support businesses and projects for our farmers, youth and women. Intensify mobilization and support for rural housing,” promises Banda.
Banda, who governed Malawi from 2012 to 2014 in line with constitutional order as vice president after the death of president Bingu wa Mutharika in April 2012 ,
corruption, Malawi, Top News

Malawi opposition parties demand removal of AG Mhango, top cops over MK2.3 billion fraudulent deal

Special Absalom

Some opposition political parties have demanded the removal or resignation of Attorney General (AG) Charles Mhango for his role in the alleged fraudulent contract worth MK2.3 billion offered to Pioneer Investments by the Malawi Police Service (MPS).

The parties have further faulted the AG for entering into and signing a consent judgement that would result in taxpayers paying over MK1 billion to CDH Investment Bank in claims.

At the centre of a spate of several alleged fraudulent dealings is a supplier Pioneer Investments that was contracted by MPS to supply food ration packs at the original contract price of about MK2.3 billion which was later questionably increased by 20 percent taking it to around MK2.8 billion.

Seven months before the said contract was awarded to Pioneer, some top police officers facilitated and guaranteed a loan amounting to MK3 billion from CDH Investment Bank for the supplier but after police paid the money, the cheque was deposited into a different bank forcing CDH to sue Pioneer and MPS through the Attorney General.

But in a statement issued on Monday, eight opposition political parties also want an amendment of Section 98(5) of the Constitution so that the office of AG, henceforth, is only occupied by a public officer to enhance professionalism.

The eight parties are part of a 13-member grouping of opposition political parties that are finalising the formulation of Tikonze Dziko Lathu coalition, whose membership include People’s Party (PP) and the troubled Alliance for Democracy (Aford), ahead of the 2019 Tripartite Elections.

“We demand the immediate removal or resignation of the Attorney General as these issues and others have deeply compromised him. This is why previously there have been strong calls but ignored that the AG’s office ought not to be occupied by party functionaries,” reads a statement issued yesterday.

Mhango is also legal adviser of the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The parties also want a swift prosecution of Pioneer Investment owner Zameer Karim and that his agents, surrogates, sister companies or close relations no longer be directly or otherwise be contracted in public procurement.

They also want suspension of all police officers and other public servants involved in the dubious contract followed by swift prosecution to restore public confidence and bring sanity within the MPS and public service.

“We call upon President Mutharika to establish a commission of inquiry comprising persons of high repute in society to establish whether the 500 000 ration packs were indeed bought and supplied to MPS and the said packs were value for money,” reads the statement.

Efforts to talk to Mhango proved futile as his phone went unanswered on several attempts.

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have also called for the resignation of Mutharika for allegedly benefitting from the money after Pioneer Investment donated K145 million into the DPP bank account for which he is the sole signatory.

But the 13 parties’ spokesperson Kamuzu Chibambo, who is also People’s Transformation Party (Petra) president, said calling for Mutharika’s resignation was a non-starter because he has already pleaded innocent.

He said their only hope was for members of Parliament (MPs) to move a motion of impeachment in the House.

Politics

Malawi Former leader JB cautions on presidents age limit

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mauluka

The Malawi’s former president, Dr. Joyce Banda has said people should look for a good president during the upcoming 2019 Tripartite elections as settling on age limit for the presidents could prevent
the country from having great leaders.

People’s Party (PP) president, Banda, made the remarks on Sunday evening to her supporters at a rally held at Masintha ground in Lilongwe.

While acknowledging that youthful leaders can make good presidents citing Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta as good example of a youthful president, however she indicated that some youthful presidents have plundered their countries and sometimes have been easily misled.

“But, there are also good examples of old aged presidents who have made their countries great such as former president of Botswana, Seretse Khama.” stated Banda.

“This suggest that the best way to look at age limit debate is only to look for a good president because age does not matter. Please choose a right person because we have suffered for so long” advised Banda, and disclosed that she is around 60 years and therefore her age is in no other way being affected by some suggestions on acceptable age limit for the country’s presidents

“I sincerely hope” She explained later in an interview “that Malawians will chose a leader with tested leadership and it doesn’t matter if that leader is young. And in my case to be very honest I don’t have to be president again. I was president and I truly believe that I did my best and I served my country well. But that, when we are going forward, any good leader that is identified shall run this country.
And our prayer therefore should be to God to help us to find that person, if that person is Joyce Banda that’s fine.”

When asked if she will pick a youthful running mate in the upcoming elections, she responded; “I am the first person that identified a youthful running mate in last elections. I believe that young people
have a role to play and I believe that age should not be a factor to limit us.”

Banda also maintained that she is presenting herself as candidate in the PP convention and she is ready to support who soever shall be elected to lead the party in the upcoming general elections.

During the rally at Masintha which was her first rally in Lilongwe since her return from a four year stay America, Banda expressed deep concern with dwindling maternal health in the country’s hospitals and
promised that all health issues shall be her priority area once elected as the county’s president.

“We shall continue with provision of decent housing through the program of Mudzi Transformation Trust. I am always delighted to see people including the old people live in good houses. Also, I will not
stop giving handouts to the poor such as distributing food because I cannot watch the poor die of hunger.” She added

Among others, Banda assured that once elected as the president in 2019, she will ensure that farm produce markets offer better prices to enable farmers earn good income, bring back agricultural extension
officers across the country, solve existing electricity problems, as well as continue with women empowerment programs particularly promote establishment of businesses that will enable women to be self-reliant.

The party also welcomed new members who have defected from other parties including the United Independence Party (UIP) and Freedom Party and former cabinet minister Attachments area

Top News

PP interested to form an alliance with 13 opposition leaders; Road to 2019

Maravi Post Reporter

By Alick Junior Sichali

People’s Party (PP) this week expressed contentment with interest shown by 13 opposition party leaders to form an alliance with the party prior to 2019 tripartite elections.

PP spokesperson Noah Chimpeni said this following declaration by leaders of other opposition parties to partner with PP as the race for 2019 elections continues.

Among others these parties want former president and leader of PP Dr Joyce Banda to be its torch bearer in next year’s elections.

Chimpeni said the development is a clear manifestation that the party is appealing to Malawians and will continue strengthening its dominance across the country.

“This depicts that Malawians are not happy with the current administration and they want People’s Party to again be the ruling party,” Chimpeni said.

Weeks ago representatives from 13 opposition parties had a meeting with the former head of state, DR Joyce Banda asking her an alliance and be the top leader.

Since Joyce Banda jetted in the country has been doing rallies and having meetings with ordinary Malawians.

Meetings she has been having with officials from the party and tradition leaders have asked Banda to represent them in the forth coming 2019 elections.

Banda on this Saturday is expected to hold a political rally in Lilongwe at Masintha ground after attending a welcoming home dinner organised by People’s Party on Friday.