The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has today launched its manifesto at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre. This launch is in preparation for the campaign event expected to take place at Mjamba Freedom Park in Blantyre.
Among the issues addressed in the manifesto are:
Decentralization: Every constituency will be allocated K5 billion kwacha each year from locally generated resources. Youth activities in every constituency will receive K50 million annually. Additionally, each constituency will have a package for youth loans totaling K100 million per year, and women’s businesses will be allocated the same amount each year.
Security: The capacity and operation of the Independence Complaint Commission of the Malawi Police Service will be improved to promote accountability. There will be an establishment of city police in Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Zomba, Blantyre, and Mangochi, along with the construction of new prisons in Phalombe, Mchinji, Mangochi, and other districts.
Lean and Inclusive Cabinet: Strict measures will be implemented under the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). The budget for state residences will be reduced, and the relocation of all government offices currently housed in rented buildings in Lilongwe will be reversed.
DPP running mate Justice Dr. Jane Ansah stated that Malawi is currently experiencing severe economic suffering. Justice Ansah expressed her dismay at the inability of many people to purchase basic commodities.
“The country has lost its path to progress, as many people can no longer afford to drink tea or buy basic necessities due to skyrocketing prices,” she said.
The former Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson added that life has become expensive for people even when demanding accountability from those in power, which the DPP and AFORD are ready to address.
“We, the DPP-AFORD alliance, pledge to transform the nation by working toward a common goal from today into the future, creating a better Malawi for all,” Ansah added.
She further stated that politicians often make promises but fail to fulfill them for several reasons: these promises are based on experiments rather than experience, they are unrealistic and merely cut-and-paste, and there is a lack of understanding and economic plans for implementation.
“The DPP manifesto, in conjunction with AFORD, is based on experience, not experimentation like that of other political parties,” she said.
Justice Dr. Ansah assured the public that the DPP and AFORD possess the best experience to implement their plans effectively after thoroughly listening to the real needs of the people. Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) leader Enock Chihana noted that DPP and AFORD share similarities, especially regarding the provision and eradication of hunger in the country.
Chihana, who is also the Second Vice President of the DPP-AFORD alliance, indicated that the two parties are aligned in their commitment to decentralizing power to the people. He expressed his sadness about the increasing number of “jokers” in Malawi.
“We can’t have over 20 presidential candidates for the September 16 general elections; this is the sign of the jokers I am referring to,” said Chihana.
Chihana concluded that the similarities in the DPP and AFORD manifestos have motivated him to ensure that the two parties work together during the elections.
