Maravi

Wa Mutharika, Muluzi to address rallies tomorrow

Wa Mutharika, Muluzi to address rallies tomorrow
By Bivan Saluseki in Blantrye
Saturday March 24, 2007 [02:00]

A showDOWN of polularity is set for tomorrow as two rivals in President Bingu wa Mutharika and former president Bakili Muluzi both address rallies in Blantrye. The Malawi government through the Ministry of Local government has ordered chiefs to attend President Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party Rally at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantrye while Muluzi adresses his in Mulanje under United Democratic Front.

Police here cancelled a rally for Muluzi citing safety and security reasons but UDF has obtained an injuction countering the police order. “Kindly be advised that due to security constraits, you are kindly requested to reschedule the rally to either Saturday, 24th March 2007 or any other day convenient to yourselves apart from the proposed day of 25th March 2007,” stated the letter.

Amid opposition from the church and other civil society organisations, Muluzi has announced his intention to contest the 2009 elections. His relationship with President Wa Mutharika went sour after government started pursuing him over corruption allegations, which he denied.

In Blantrye, most residents still talk highly of Muluzi and say he would win if he stood against the current President. The two rallies will therefore show who could amass more people, some Malawians say.

Labels: MALAWI

posted by MrK @ 4:07 AM