Maravi

Mutharika pleads with Kasungu Chiefs for support

Mutharika pleads with Kasungu Chiefs for support
Nyasa Times
06 April, 2009 10:19:00

Malawi President Bingu Wa Mutharika on Monday pleaded with traditional leaders in Kasungu to woo support for his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to win the May 19 General Elections, if the country was to be assured of "real development."

Speaking during a whistle stop in the district on his way from the North, where on Sunday he launched his campaign bid for the region ahead of the polls, Mutharika said his party has fielded aspiring legislators in all the 193 constituencies of the country's National Assembly.

Therefore, Mutharika said he was seeking support from the traditional leaders for them to make it to the National Assembly.

"All of you chiefs, you know how much I have suffered during my first term at the hands of the opposition in the August House. This has derailed my development agenda for this country. Do you want me to go through that experience again? If you don't, then you should woo support from your subjects so that we should enough legislators in parliament," said Mutharika.

"If you can't campaign for me and DPP, then you don't wish this country well," said Mutharika.

The President promised the chiefs what he described as "good life" if his government manages to have the majority required to transact business on its own in the country's legislative assembly.

"My government will reward you if you woo support for us. Your lives will change beyond this. You should go around and assist me in getting most of candidates to parliament. This is the time for you to work," he told them.

During his party's convention held earlier this year, traditional leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mutharika administration. As part of the MOU, the former would be campaigning for the DPP in return for favours.

In some areas, chiefs are refusing opposition leaders from holding rallies.

Labels: BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, CHIEFS

posted by MrK @ 8:15 PM