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(NYASATIMES) Atupele sets tone for Malawi’s ‘agenda for change’

Atupele sets tone for Malawi’s ‘agenda for change’
By Nyasa Times Reporter
September 29, 2011

Son of former Malawi President Bakili Muluzi, Atupele, says there was need to pursue political party reforms to allow for freedom of exchange of ideas, transparent election of leaders and responsiveness to party membership.

Speaking on Thursday at Sunbird Mouth Soche Hotel in Blantyre where he announced his presidential bid for the 2014 general elections, the Machinga North East parliamentarian said that Malawians should avoid “worshipping big men” and putting leaders above the people as that result in lives and freedoms of citizens being compromised.

“It is about respect for our party constitutions, which must not be optional but a requirement,” said the youthful conviction politics.

Atupele: Delivering his speech

“There is also a need to give room to new talent. That does not mean, however, that it is just about new faces and more of the same. No, what we need is a whole new way of thinking and a different mindset altogether,” young Muluzi said.

He said debate must not be stifled from within the political parties because that is the only way “we can bring about innovation and new ideas”.

“We must not be rigid or resist change,” he said attracting applause.

“Above all our party membership must be given opportunities to choose leaders of their choice through free and fair elections. That is what a democracy is all about,” he said, adding that he believed Malawi was at a crossroads of change and that it needed credible transformational leaders who will deliver a clear vision, values and aspirations of its people.

“Many Malawians have asked me not only to be part of the ‘Change Team’ but lead it. It is for this reason that today, I humbly accept your call to put up my name for nomination as presidential aspirant in 2014 general elections,” he said to a deafening applause.

He said the power to elect a presidential candidate for the UDF rests in the hands of the people through a free and fair election at the convention.

“I stand on the platform of change, new ideas, new thinking and I intend to meet as many ordinary Malawians as possible over the next few years in order to find out from them what most they care about and would like to see changed. This will always remain an on-going process if you place your trust in me,” Atupele said, adding “together we can do it and together we are agents of that change that we all yearn for”.

He said that if Malawians were serious about changing the Malawi political landscape, “we must start from our political parties”.

“That process begins by promoting women and the youth. We need to intensify efforts and actions to redress the existing persistent gender disparities, which hamper their full participation in our society,” Atupele said.

He said young people need to be inspired by giving them the confidence to challenge what they see and to dream great things, and empower them to influence their own lives and their future.

“The purpose of this gathering today is to embark on my quest to contribute to a historic conversation about leadership and its role in spearheading transformational change in Malawi,” the young Muluzi said to a defeating applause from guests that filled Njamba Room to capacity.

He also said it was not acceptable that a few individuals in Malawi should decide Malawians’ fate without listening to the people’s voice and that as a politician and a Malawian; he would not sit back and watch while things “go bad” in Malawi.

He said Malawi is a country where diverse ethnic groups, different religious groups and vibrant cultures have lived in harmony in pursuit of a secure and prosperous nation at ease with itself.

Members of the clergy, Malawi Watch executive director Billy Banda and other civil society leaders, UDF MPs including ex-foreign minister Lillian Patel, former Attorney General Peter Fachi, Atupele’s wife Angella, Dr Kholiwe Mkandawire were among the people that attended the “public discussion” under the banner, “Atupele Muluzi—New Agenda for Change”.

Labels: ATUPELE MULUZI

posted by MrK @ 4:44 AM