The NDP, led by Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo, is contesting the presidential elections on September 16 without alliances. Criticizing President Chakwera’s MCP for unfulfilled promises, Mwenifumbo emphasized the need for local development and equitable resource sharing. With a campaign focused on economic growth and empowerment, the NDP seeks to position itself as a strong alternative in Malawian politics.
The National Development Party (NDP) has announced its intention to contest in the presidential election scheduled for September 16 without forming any alliances. NDP President Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo made this declaration during a rally in Mzimba, asserting the party’s readiness to govern independently. Past alliances, he noted, have not proved beneficial, exemplified by the experience with the Tonse Alliance, leading him to state, “We do not want to be behind any other party because we are ready to govern this country on our own.”
Mwenifumbo criticized President Lazarus Chakwera and his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) for their governance, claiming they have failed to deliver on promises to the citizens of Mzimba. He encouraged voters to reject MCP, citing the incompletion of vital infrastructure projects such as roads critical to the Northern Region. He said, “Malawians had hope in Chakwera’s government, but Northerners have been left out.”
The NDP leader highlighted the government’s delays in developing essential infrastructure, referencing roads like Chimkusa and Chanthomba. He expressed disappointment over the lack of progress despite Mzimba’s rich mineral resources and called for equitable distribution of national resources, stating, “Mzimba is blessed with minerals, yet it remains one of the least developed districts in the country.”
Mwenifumbo voiced opposition to refining minerals outside of Malawi as part of the Kanyika Niobium project, advocating for local processing to enhance economic benefits for the country. He dismissed implications of NDP’s alignment with MCP, clarifying that the party is committed to independent governance and will not affiliate with what he described as a “failed government.”
With a focus on job creation, youth empowerment, and combatting corruption, the NDP aims to present a comprehensive vision for Malawi’s future. Mwenifumbo, recalling successes during his time as Minister of Agriculture, promised economic growth and equal opportunities, asserting, “During our time, Malawi produced enough food to support other nations.” This announcement marks the NDP’s official entry into the presidential race, proposing distinct leadership alternatives for the nation.
The political landscape in Malawi is characterized by various parties vying for power, particularly as the next presidential election approaches. The NDP’s strategic choice to run independently reflects a broader disillusionment with alliances that have failed to deliver tangible benefits. The party’s focus on local development, particularly in less developed regions like Mzimba, indicates a shift towards addressing issues of resources, infrastructure, and economic opportunity that resonate with Malawian voters.
The National Development Party’s decision to enter the presidential race independently underscores its commitment to self-governance and addressing local issues. President Mwenifumbo’s critique of the current administration highlights dissatisfaction with unfulfilled promises, particularly in the underdeveloped Northern Region. The NDP aims to promote equitable resource distribution and prioritize job creation and local economic benefits, presenting a credible alternative for voters in the upcoming election.
Original Source: malawi24.com
