Polytricks rears its head, again
As I write , preparations are at an advanced stage for the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day (WFPD) in Mangochi. It’s that time of the year again when journalists in Malawi join the rest of the world in celebrating freedom of expression and fighting all forms of abuse
The month of May brings so much time for people to reflect on various sectors of the economy.
Only yesterday was May 1, Labour Day. In commemoration of the day major events in Blantyre were held with calls for enforcement of minimum wages set by the government put in place in the 2024/2025 budget. It was also time to reflect on the plight of teachers and nurses that government spends so much money to train but has not yet been employed. Indeed, it was a time to think deeply about how a country can only have 21 percent of the people employed!
From the speeches, it was United Nations resident coordinator in Malawi Rebecca Adda- Dontoh’s words that one could find touching. Departing from her prepared speech, she wondered why the event at Njamba was dominated by political stalwarts. Her speech was not off the air, because supporters of the Malawi Congress Party and UTM Party were dominant, doing nothing but cheering their leaders Lazarus Chakwera and Saulos Chilima ever y time their names were mentioned.
It appears Malawi politics never goes to bed. It is disheartening to see some clips where some supporters were seen telling workers to put down placards carrying messages against unfair labour practices. Now, it is these overzealous supporters that destroy the broth.
And, while we are at it, were the 2019 elections not botched, we could have been saying this month we would be having the elections this month. But, all thanks to a Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) led by the then chairperson Jane Ansah, we had Fresh Presidential Elections in 2020. Now, news just coming in shows that Ansah wants to contest as an independent candidate in the Ntcheu North West constituency.
While the political positioning continues, Kondwani Nankhumwa has just announced the formation of the People’s Development Party (PDP), after controversies in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Good for him.
But then, it appears newly-appointed registrar of political parties Kizito Tenthani has a tough task ahead since the number of political parties continues to grow.
It is a given fact that most political par ties in Malawi are formed out of frustration, not necessarily to help Malawians. Look, Uladi Mussa formed the Maravi Party, yet today he has trekked from one ruling party to the next without regard. Brown Mpinganjira formed the National Democrati c Alliance when he fell out of grace with Bakili Muluzi in the United Democratic Front but right now he has moved from one political party to the next.
The UTM was formed under similar circumstances: Frustration.
I t appears politics should be read as a lack of principles in Malawi. Why such a small country should have so many political parties that feed Malawians with the old promises of power over poverty is baffling.
Looking at the PDP talking point, you would wonder what new thing they have to offer. It is just polytricks as usual.
