The major political parties in the two alliances in the country will merge their manifestos ahead of the fresh presidential elections which were ordered by both the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court of Appeal.
The alliance of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF), as well as that of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM plus other partners, were formed following the ConCourt’s order to have the fresh presidential elections, where the winner would be declared upon amassing 50%+1 of the votes.
In separate interviews, the four parties confirmed their respective alliances will merge their manifestos so that each alliance can sell one concrete manifesto to the voters.
DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi said initially, DPP and UDF manifestos were development oriented and as such, it is easy to push for a common good ahead of the fresh presidential elections.
“Tell you what? Our manifestos were not far from each other; UDF was pushing for various development in government agencies. So we will continue with our manifestos whilst working together. In simple terms, what I can say is that our manifestos were centred around the common good of all Malawians across the country. So working together will not be a problem at all,” he said.
MCP secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka said the parties already synchronised their manifestos.
“Actually when you go through the two manifestos you will see that we have common things. Which brings me to say the reconciliation of the two manifestos was not that difficult; we have been able to look at common things. Where we looked at things differently, we have been able to merge the two thoughts so that we come up with one,” he said.
UTM spokesperson Joseph Chidanti Malunga concurred with Mkaka, saying the two parties have looked at their manifestos and outlined points that they will push to win the hearts of Malawians.
“One thing I know was common in our manifestos was the fight against corruption; that we are certain that we will tell Malawians that our alliance will ensure that we end corruption, nepotism, and tribalism in the country.
“We came together and looked at the points where we felt we can perfect some points we did it. But otherwise we know we have the best strategies to bail out Malawians from this mess we are in,” he said.
During last year’s campaign, DPP promised to set up agricultural commodity markets that will be fully equipped with refrigeration equipment in areas where the commodities are being produced and promote women empowerment.
MCP promised to root out corruption, provide clean water and trim presidential powers.
While UTM, among others, promised to remove presidential immunity in the country’s constitution and harmonise civil servants salaries.
During its manifesto launch, the UDF promised to stabilise the economy, develop a social protection system for vulnerable people and ensure that there is good governance and promote transparency and accountability.
During last year’s General Elections, the four parties went it alone in the nullified presidential poll where the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) declared President Peter Mutharika winner with 1,940, 709 votes against Lazarus Chakwera MCP leader 1,781, 740 votes and Vice President Saulos Chilima of UTM with 1,018, 369 votes.
The Constitutional Court on February 3 nullified May 21 2019 presidential election and ordered fresh election 150 days from the day of the verdict.
