Dear Judge Mbadwa,
With the commencement of presidential nominations last week, Nyasaland’s marathon to elect its next leader has officially begun. And what a dramatic start it’s been—surprises and shocks aplenty, especially with the selection of running mates.
Trust, my lord, remains elusive in our political landscape. The ghosts of previous elections have made political parties wary, reminding us of the perils of placing blind faith in electoral partners. As the campaign trail winds through the country, I echo the sentiment: let us not be fed half-truths and podium theatrics once again.
Tradition dictates that parties will go to great lengths to woo voters, but amid the harsh economic realities we face, one wonders—who bankrolls these elaborate campaigns?
We, the “unsophisticated citizens,” won’t ask uncomfortable questions about the origin of these funds. Instead, we’ll applaud—especially if our preferred candidates are the ones flaunting the extravagance. We see no evil, hear no evil, and certainly speak no evil when it’s our side in the spotlight.
Sadly, it seems Nyasaland is ripe for the highest bidder. Invisible financiers lie in wait, ready to pounce the moment their sponsored candidates clinch victory, plunging us yet again into a familiar spiral of poverty. These vultures have already carved up the next five years of government tenders and contracts.
Corruption will thrive, speeches will inspire and deceive in equal measure and promises will echo with painful predictability.
Do we dare to hope for Nyasaland’s resurgence after September 16? My lord, I say—without fear of contradiction—as long as these shadowy financiers remain in control, ordinary citizens will continue to bear the brunt.
Our politicians have mastered the art of securing personal futures.
Meanwhile, Nyasaland’s health delivery system teeters on the edge of collapse—and we barely flinch anymore.
Today, I write with the voice of a disheartened citizen. Political leadership has failed us more times than I can count. Yet I still pray to be proven wrong. I still cling to the hope that this time, just maybe, we will elect leaders who transform a nation rather than fill their pockets.
May the best candidate win—and may they truly be the best.
Yours sincerely,
Mnyasa weniweni
