‘I am still a UDF senior leader’
Former United Democratic Front (UDF) president ATUPELE MULUZI has come out in the open to declare his candidacy in the 2025 general elections. Our News Analyst LLOYD CHITSULO caught up with ATUPELE, who initially quit politics last year to transition into a pan-African business executive. Excerpts.
Q.Now that you have finally come out in the open to declare your candidacy, should we expect you on a UDF ticket?
A. I have dedicated over two decades of my life in the service of our nation, defending and promoting democracy, transparency, accountability and good governance. It is becoming extremely difficult to sit by the sidelines and watch as the country descends into a failed state. I have been listening to the voices of Malawians across the country and they would like an alternative voice. Malawians are worried about their future. I belong to a generation of Malawians that knows that Malawi deserves better and has all the ingredients to realise its greatness as a nation. I will be presenting my name for Malawians to decide. Atupele Muluzi will be on the ballot in 2025.
Q.You had initially quit politics to transition into a pan-African business executive in May 2022. Why, then, did you make a comeback in politics?
A. I strongly feel that if we are not careful Malawi is slowly rolling back towards authoritarianism and a failed state. Institutions of government have been weakened and corruption has become rampant. The weakness of our institutions makes us vulnerable to the undermining of our democracy and State capture. Malawi is under assault and is now the third poorest country in the world according to latest figures released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). There appears to be no credible plan to rescue the situation. This is a very sad development for a nation that has had no war and has enjoyed peace and stability for 59 years since our independence. The current state of affairs must concern every Malawian. I am deeply concerned, especially when we continue to witness rising corruption and abuse of power taking place. Malawi deserves better. A better place in the world, a better contribution to its future, a better opportunity to shine as light. I believe in a new vision for Malawi. It’s time for us to shine again and I believe with God’s help and your commitment we will. My message to Malawians is that we can choose to maintain the status quo of corruption and retrogression or we can choose a clean slate, where competence and hard work is rewarded. We must not continue as we are. Strengthening democracy, accountability and transparency must be at the core of our governance agenda.
Q.And what is your vision for Malawi as you have earlier mentioned?
A.Firstly, we will develop clear and consistent policies that address the needs and fears of the population. Malawi is not a poor country and should not be a poor country. Malawi has a brilliant future and God did not raise us to be poor. God gave us everything. We have huge potential for oil, gas, rare-earth minerals and other minerals, agriculture, water, tourist attractions, labour–more natural resources than most of the Gulf nations. What we need is a clear new strategy and a competent, honest team to execute the plan. I intend to engage stakeholders both domestic and external on how we will do it. Malawi needs and must have a Trillion Dollar Sovereign Wealth Fund to build its economy and infrastructure. We will do so by leverage on our natural resources using modern strategies and technologies to achieve that. This will be the collective rise of Malawi. All of us together irrespective of tribe, party or religious affiliation and I intend to meet our National Planning Commission as well as our intellectuals on the same. We have great brains and international experts are ready to assist us to execute the plan for the rise of Malawi as the model nation in Africa. We cannot wait till 2063. We must do it within 10 years. I do not only have a vision but I have a plan to execute. It will require sacrifice and hard work and we will do the hard work. Secondly, I am committed to upholding democratic values, including transparency, accountability, and key policy precepts such as protection of private property, and reform to education and health systems. I will act to continuously uphold freedom of speech and association and basic human rights.
Q.Among the major challenges Malawians are facing is a steady rise in the cost of living. As regards to your vision, what needs to be done?
A.Leadership is about providing solutions. We need to develop a culture of providing solutions. We must all come together to agree on a new strategy for Malawi. The time is now to pursue and see the fulfillment of our dreams.
Q.You have been presenting yourself as UDF leader in various forums yet Honourable Lilian Patel is the party’s leader at present. Why is this the case?
A.I am a democrat and uphold the internal processes of governance. The president of the UDF is Honourable Lilian Patel and I am still a senior UDF leader.
Q.Any final words, perhaps?
A. A new day is coming and it begins now where the hopes and dreams of every Malawian hangs in the balance. That balance is their choice and decision at the next general elections.
