By Cathy Maulidi:
On Saturday evening, UTM Party launched its manifesto, dubbed ‘The People’s Manifesto, 3rd Revolution’, which was officially unveiled by its president Dalitso Kabambe alongside Mary Chilima, widow of UTM founder Saulos Chilima.
Among other promises, the manifesto pledges to create five million jobs, reduce fertiliser prices to K50,000, remove presidential immunity and presidential advisors and establish a lean cabinet of no more than 18 ministers.
According to Kabambe, his first 100 days in office will mark the start of transformative change for Malawi.
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He said he aims to fix the economy by, among other things, achieving a sustained annual GDP growth rate of 15 percent and increasing Malawi’s GDP to $28 billion within five years, driven by strategic investments in key sectors that maximise economic transformation.
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“UTM has lined up the most important tasks to be completed in our first 100 days in government. Firstly, we will focus on fiscal remodelling by enhancing tax efficiency and compliance to maximise government revenue.
“We will review existing tax structures to identify and close loopholes and will streamline tax collection processes to improve compliance and reduce the burden on businesses and individuals,” Kabambe said.
Regarding the economy, he also pledged a complete monetary policy overhaul to ensure stability in the financial system and curb inflation.
He further promised to stabilise the currency and improve the balance of payments by establishing a transparent and predictable framework for managing currency exchange rates.
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On combating corruption, Kabambe said UTM will ensure strong leadership and accountability by appointing qualified and independent heads for the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Auditor General’s office.
Political analyst Victor Chipofya, who was also at the event, said the manifesto promises a better future for Malawi if UTM wins government and implements it.
“Malawi has been struggling economically because it has never had an expert to fix the broken economy. If what is being said is implemented, I see Malawi changing,” Chipofya said.
