President Lazarus Chakwera, who is also leader of Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has defended his manifesto, insisting that it is implementable, but only by whom he called capable leaders like himself who have a vision to transform Malawi for the better.
Chakwera said political leaders who doubt MCP’s manifesto are failed politicians and that he is used to such “doubting Thomases”.
He was speaking Tuesday at M’mbelwa Stadium in Mzimba Boma, where he launched his manifesto and campaign in the Northern Region.
Chakwera said some Malawians, particularly from opposition parties, doubt his government’s plan to create 3,000 jobs for the youth over three years across 10 sectors including agriculture and mining.
He also addressed criticism of his government’s proposal to establish a K500,000-a- year Tsogolo Account for children, saying it is one of the best strategies used in other countries to promote economic independence.
- Advertisement -
“They didn’t believe me when I said I would construct a six-lane road in Lilongwe, rehabilitate the M1, reduce data costs to be the lowest in Africa or increase the Constituency Development Fund. They thought I was joking.
“Some do not even understand the Tsogolo Account for children yet to be born. I know they cannot grasp it because they never imagined it was possible. Let them doubt, but that will not stop me. It will happen,” Chakwera said.
Speaking in an interview after the event, MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda said the Tsogolo Account has worked in many countries in Africa and beyond, contributing to their economic success.
“When a baby is born, this money will be invested either in banks or a trust and can only be accessed after 18 years, with interest.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
“This means the young person will have a foundation, whether for education or business. Chakwera has a long-term vision, unlike opposition parties who focus only on the present,” Chimwendo Banda said.
In her speech, MCP First Deputy President Catherine Gotani Hara said the manifesto would also benefit people in the Northern Region across various sectors including mining, pointing out the region’s rich mineral resources.
Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa IV commended Chakwera for constructing a stadium in Mzimba, calling it one of the hallmarks of his administration.
However, M’mbelwa urged politicians to refrain from character assassination, warning that it could incite violence.
