Vice-President Michael Usi says his Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu party is ready to enter into an electoral alliance with any party which focuses on uplifting the lives of Malawians.
Speaking during a political rally at Nyambadwe Community Ground in Ndirande Township in Blantryre yesterday, Usi said he is not power-hungry and that he can allow others to lead the alliance.
Usi noted that the increased number of presidential candidates for the September 16 General Election, which is at 17, is not a solution to challenges Malawians are facing.
He said he expects some political parties to approach Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu for a possible electoral alliance.
Said Usi: “I believe that it is better not to be the president and make people happy because we have agreed, rather than be a president and lose the elections. So it shouldn’t be about Michael Usi. It should be about people. I can forgo the presidency for the sake of Malawians.
“In as far I am concerned, Malawians first, myself and others second. I am talking to everybody, but I am not going to tell you which party. And I am not going to cry on anybody’s back because I have what it takes to be a president.”
Meanwhile, during a whistle-stop tour on his way from Lilongwe to Blantyre on Sunday, Usi said Malawians are suffering due to some selfish and corrupt politicians and senior government officials in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) regime.
But in an interview yesterday, MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila said Usi should have first thanked Chakwera instead of speaking negatively about the government.
”Now he is presenting himself to the public as a good person, but this is not the right way to do politics. MCP would still win with or without Usi and MCP is focusing on delivering real results to win the upcoming election and does not have time to engage with Usi’s criticisms,” she said.
Political analyst Wonderful Mkutche warned that if not carefully managed, Usi’s criticisms risk deepening the rift between himself and Chakwera.
“That the government has corrupt and selfish people is common knowledge. The Vice President has not said anything new. If he wants [to bring] people’s attention to the rot in the government he needs to be providing specific examples of the corruption happening in the government,” he said.
Political Science Association spokesperson Mavuto Bamusi observed that Usi’s comments are a political gimmick to regain relevance after splitting with UTM.
