Chakwera, Atupele sign disability social contract
Presidential candidates Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and United Democratic Front’s (UDF) Atupele Muluzi have committed themselves to improving lives of people with disability in the country once voted into power on May 20.
Signing what is called the ‘Social Disability Contract’ during a ceremony that took place on Tuesday at Protea Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre, Chakwera said MCP believes in inclusiveness, noting that all people are equal and should be treated equally regardless of their status.
“We, as a party, believe that all people are equal despite their various challenges and for this reason we will, among other initiatives, build schools that are disability friendly and address the various challenges people with disabilities face,” he said.
Chakwera said the contract is very important because it will make his party remain accountable for all promises made regarding disability issues once they make it to State House.
On his part, Atupele said UDF is the first party that employs a sign language interpreter at some of their campaign rallies and that this demonstrates that they are committed to addressing disability matters.
“As a party, we have already included in our manifesto issues affecting all people with disabilities in the country and we are also ready to be taken to task on our promises after the May 20 elections,” said Atupele.
The contract is a document formulated by the Federation of People with Disability Organisations in Malawi (Fedoma).
People’s Party presidential candidate Joyce Banda was the first to sign, according to Fedoma executive director Action Amos.
