By Burnett Munthali
The day was cold early in the morning as some UDF party zealots discussed freely among themselves at Masintha Ground in Lilongwe on Sunday June 11, 2023 as construction of the podium for UDF Presidential aspirant Atupele Muluzi was in progress. Some party members had been there as early as 06:00 hours early in the morning working.
If UDF doesn’t win elections in 2025, then it is time to quit elections. The young Muluzi is very popular on the ground and this is the right time for Atupele to rule this country otherwise that chance won’t come in future other than now.
UDF supporters are in large numbers on the grassroots. The presidential aspirant at the forthcoming UDF convention, Atupele Muluzi, doesn’t have to belabor himself in what to say. Probably there are only two statements for him to keep saying from beginning to the end of the campaign period from Chitipa to Nsanje. If I were Atupele Muluzi, this is what I would say:
1) “What did I say in 2020? Didn’t I tell you not to give a bus to someone who is learner driver?”
2) “What do you make of Tonse Alliance Government today? Are you satisfied with the way government is being run?”
These are some of the questions I would ask the people of Malawi if I were Atupele Muluzi, unfortunately, I am not Atupele Muluzi, will never be and I won’t be but just myself.
UDF is in between DPP and MCP. It’s wanted on both sides of the political partnership. UDF is the only party that is free from infighting and noise so far. They seem to moving together quietly and peacefully without any squabbles, which is very good for them.
Many people on the ground are talking good about Atupele Muluzi so this gives hope for him to stand for the electorates and win the 2025 presidential election.
Some members who love UDF contribute for the party in monthly basis. They are in groups and they contribute monthly for the love of the party. Sometimes such dedicated members manage to buy party cloth and give it to those members who in dire need as a donation.
Whoever wants to partner with UDF should allow Atupele to be in the forefront and lead the alliance this time around. Atupele Muluzi has the potential to lead and rule this country in a mature manner.
Arthur Peter Mutharika made a mistake by appointing Chimulirenji as running mate in 2019. Many people thought the former president was going to appoint Atupele Muluzi as his running mate at the time but it came as a huge disappoint in the selection he made. As a result of the disappointment, some UDF Patriots joined MCP, UTM and other political parties. Others just thought of quitting the voting exercise itself in frustration of the pairing that was opted for.
Atupele won’t need to campaign vigorously anymore because he already did his best in 2020. The young and intelligent young leader went out from corner to corner with vibrant campaign message. His campaign was full of maturity and honesty in his agenda. The only words he has this time is: How do you look at Malawi today? Didn’t I tell you that we don’t give a bus to a learner?
However, Atupele Muluzi will need to remind Malawians of the grave mistake they made in choosing a failing leader surrounded by a failing team. The UDF Presidential aspirant will need to do campaign with pimp and energy.
