In a bold declaration during a Thursday night interview on Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi—with a blend of optimism and conviction—declared himself as “ripe, equipped, and ready to govern,” drawing from years of international exposure and leadership experience.
“I will be on the ballot, and Malawians will vote for me as President,” Atupele confidently stated, emphasizing that his time abroad has sharpened his vision for the country. He outlined a comprehensive agenda focused on food security, energy, export promotion, education reform, tourism revitalization, and health care. “Above all,” he stressed, “Malawi should have food.”
Atupele painted a picture of a Malawi brimming with untapped potential. “We have enough in this country to create and generate wealth,” he said, “all that remains is new thinking.” This vision, he argued, is timely given the global trend of political upheavals where lesser-known parties are triumphing. “The winds of change are blowing. In Botswana, in Mauritius—UDF is next.”
Acknowledging past political missteps, Atupele critiqued alliances that he said had diminished UDF’s identity. “We have suffered so much because of alliances. We never gave Malawians a choice to choose us,” he reflected. This time, he pledged, UDF would stand independently to offer a clear alternative.
Atupele distanced himself from what he termed “savagery politics,” promising a clean and inclusive leadership style. “When I get elected, call me Mr. President—not His Excellency,” he remarked, rejecting the culture of excessive reverence for political leaders. He underscored the importance of personality over party loyalty, saying, “In 2025, Malawians will choose a personality more than the name of the party.”
He also addressed concerns about democracy within UDF after he was unopposed at the party’s convention. Drawing parallels to international politics, he said, “Even in the US, Kamala Harris went unopposed. Does that mean there’s no democracy in the Democrat party? No. It’s the will of the people.”
Atupele’s economic plan is ambitious. He vowed to dismantle what he described as a modern-day Thangata system, where smallholder farmers sell their produce at low prices, only to buy it back at exorbitant costs during lean seasons. “Since 1964, this country has survived on a poor farmer. I will change that,” he promised.
His vision includes establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund to ensure self-reliance. “We are not supposed to be begging for assistance. This country has it all,” he asserted.
Looking back at the 2020 election loss, Atupele accepted the outcome with humility. “I accept Malawians wanted change, and they got it,” he said, adding that his temporary resignation from UDF allowed him to learn and grow. “I traveled the world to learn. I am a Malawian. I will live and die here.”
He dismissed claims of dynastic politics, noting, “I am Atupele, living in my own generation. My father also lived in his generation. Leadership requires learning from those who came before you.”
Atupele acknowledged challenges ahead, including familiarizing with the Malawi Electoral Commission’s Smartmatic voting system. “We haven’t met MEC yet to understand the system. Once we do, we will issue a statement,” he said.
But can he deliver?
Atupele’s declaration positions him as a reformist with a blend of youthful energy and global perspective. His emphasis on self-reliance, food security, and clean politics resonates with a populace yearning for transformative leadership. However, he faces an uphill task in re-establishing UDF as a formidable political force and convincing Malawians to embrace his vision amidst skepticism about dynastic politics and past alliances.
The 2025 elections could indeed mark a turning point, with voters seemingly more interested in substance than party labels. Atupele Muluzi’s journey to the ballot promises to be a pivotal chapter in Malawi’s political narrative.
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