Presidential Debates Task Force says it has been forced to postpone the second presidential debate to re-engage the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Democratic Progress Party (DPP) because they are key players in the September 16 General Election.
The second debate was initially scheduled for yesterday but the task force cancelled the event to allow further discussion with the country’s two major political parties which failed to participate in the first debate held on August 22.
Chairperson of the taskforce Golden Matonga said in an interview yesterday they believe in contact and dialogue and they do believe if MCP and DPP have genuine grievances they need to be heard.
battle it out on one pedestal. | Nation
During the first debate held at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, only three hopefuls, former president Joyce Banda of People’s Party, Dalitso Kabambe of UTM Party and United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi, faced off.
“We are engaging these parties because we need to promote a culture of transparency and accountability,” said Matonga.
He said the taskforce believes through contact and dialogue they can overcome any stumbling blocks to enable both President Lazarus Chakwera and Peter Mutharika to attend the debates.
The taskforce is expected to announce a new date for the second debate over the weekend.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba welcomed the task force’s decision saying the former ruling party is ready for a roundtable discussion.
“The realisation that there are only two key players with realistic chances of winning the elections is very correct. So from that perspective we wholeheartedly welcome their decision to hold further engagements.
“Any pragmatic person would do what they have done and not conduct a debate without the key players in the game. We welcome the discussion and from there we can together move forward,” said Namalomba.
However, he again condemned the debate format arguing there was no need to invite five candidates when they know only DPP and MCP are the key contenders.
“Why have all those candidates and not just a two-candidate showdown of Professor Mutharika and Dr Chakwera? We would love to have a debate featuring the two realistic candidates,” said Namalomba.
Political scientist Mavuto Bamusi said the decision to postpone the second debate is plausible and commendable
“Engaging MCP and DPP is important because Chakwera and Mutharika are top contenders in the 16 September polls.
Bamusi also said the debates are an important accountability platform, and an opportunity which the two leaders must seize to explain further their manifesto promises.
“Given that both MCP and DPP have presented what are termed people-centered manifestos, it is only reasonable for the two leaders to take part in the debates and engage with the people whose votes they are seeking.”
He said on this basis he is optimistic and foresees Chakwera and Mutharika reconsidering their positions and make the important decision to participate in the second and third debates.
MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila and her deputy Ken Msonda were both not available.
DPP and MCP’s failure to field their candidates during the first debate drew public criticism with experts and commentators arguing their no-show was a missed opportunity for them to articulate their policy blueprints.
But commenting on the postponement yesterday, governance and human rights advocate Undule Mwakasungula said the organisers’ decision was understandable.
“But the reality is that this debate is not a priority for either of the two parties at this stage. Their focus right now I believe is on mass grassroots campaigns, where they believe they will win more voters directly,” he said.
He said it would be hard for the organisers to convince both Chakwera and Mutharika to take part in the debate “unless the candidates are fully persuaded that the debate will add real value to their electoral chances.”
