People all over Malawi were eager to see the day when the "force of forces" formed in the country recently by the two powerful parties-the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and United Democratic Front (UDF)-which some quarters have ably termed it as a grand alliance will come together and hold one rally.
As expected, the day was not too far from the day the alliance was announced and it was on one Saturday, April 18, 2009. The venue was Njamba Freedom Park, an area of many activities be it religious and entertainment.
Most of the times, Njamba Freedom Park hosts events that are of national importance and most of the times when good things are at a start, they are unveiled at the Park. Religious leaders pray to God when there are problems in the country at the same venue.
Walking in the streets of Lilongwe on this particular sunny day, you could see the decrease in number of people who were on the road. Down town, people were seen in groups listening to Joy Radio because they were eager to hear what leaders of the two parties have in store for them.
Like what the UDF chairman Dr. Bakili Muluzi said at the rally, this was indeed a big day not only in Blantyre where the venue was but also the whole Malawi. It was a historical day as it was the first time for Muluzi and MCP's presidential torch bearer John Zenasi Ungapake Tembo to share a podium for one purpose; to go together in May 19 general elections.
Speaking at the rally, Muluzi said that it is very special to work together with Tembo as they are both the students of the Father and Founder of Malawi Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda speaking.
"Those who were in higher position then, we have only remained four namely; Aleke Banda, Gwanda Chakuamba, Tembo and me. So, let us teach you politics until then I and Tembo will retire and go back to our respective homes," said Muluzi is also a former Head of State.
He said the MCP-UDF alliance is determined to unseat the Dr. Bingu wa Muthalika's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government come May 19 elections.
Atcheya, as Muluzi is fondly called by his followers, said the union should be sign for Bingu to pack his things go as he will be the first African president to lose elections after one term in Office.
As it was the first rally the two forces held since the genesis of their union, Muluzi gave some reasons as to why they thought to come up with an alliance.
"I and Tembo are long time friends. I was MCP's Secretary General for 6 years and Tembo has been our leader in Parliament where we have been consulting on different issues. We want the relation which was successful in parliament to continue.
"As to who will be our presidential candidate, the Electoral Commission approved the nominations of Hon. Tembo. Therefore, I assure you Honourable Tembo that we in UDF will support you in this campaign," he said amid jeers from the supporters
Muluzi said DPP does not know campaign as they were busy arresting him instead of putting its house in order in readiness of the May general elections.
"When I was growing up, my grandfather taught me how to play Bawo. Munthu kuti akhale katswiri wa Bawo, ayenera akhale odziwa mtaji komanso kutakata (For one to be an expert of the game, must know chances and how to create them). If you don't know them then you are a failure. Bingu doesn't know the game and we will play him," said Muluzi while assuring Tembo that they will give him about 3 million votes.
He said that Malawians should expect a lot of good things from the MCP-UDF alliance among them are; to restore Democratic values in the government, to bring back the economic recovery in the peoples' pockets and empowering women by giving them loans.
Taking his turn, Tembo said he should be the first one to be proud for the UDF decision to partner with his party and support his chase for the country's presidency.
He said the fact that he has partnered with Muluzi is a good sign of change.
"When I said that I have changed people mainly journalists kept asking me how and I tell you, this is the change I meant. Who knew that one day, I and Muluzi will hold a joint rally at Njamba and that Muluzi will say Kwacha! (MCP slogan) while I will say U! (UDF slogan)? This is a good sign of change but things will change further come May 19," he said
On Bingu's call for opposition support in the fight against the low prizes for tobacco at the auction floors which have continued despite the presidents threats to deport the buyers, Tembo said he (Bingu) could have taken a proper way other than speaking in political campaign rallies.
He said after the president asked Tembo at a rally in Dedza, he waited for the official invitation which did not came but he was quick to say even if he is invited, he will not only go there for tobacco prizes but also the prizes of all basic commodities.
"By the way, when I held a rally in Mponela, I said that I want tobacco prizes to be fair to farmers but I think the president did not hear, maybe he was sleeping," he said
Tembo said their government will give Muluzi the benefits and rights he deserve not only as a former President but also taking into consideration that he did a recommendable job in Malawi by fighting for democracy.
"Muluzi as a former Head of State has benefits clearly stated in the constitution, I will give him everything and all the rights which belong to him. This country has everything to its disposal to keep him well and I don't believe that this nation is very poor that it cannot protect former Heads of State," he said
He said among other things, the MCP-UDF government will ensure that civil servants are leaping from their sweat through good payment and the reverting of the pension scheme to past system.
"There is no way for one who has worked for 30 years to receive pension money for only 3 years. Teachers should also build good houses, manage to send their children to school and above all live in normal standards," he said
Tembo further said they will uplift the standards of the constituent's colleges of University of Malawi (Unima) of which have so far gone down over the years.
On the fertilizer coupons, the MCP-UDF presidential candidate said once they get into the government, the issue is finished.
"This issue is not negotiable and I promise that we will deal with it in the first 100 days. We want no coupons. There will be a new Malawi, a country full of clean water, of good education standards and of no poverty. My government will not look backwards, we will forward," said Tembo.
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