Malawi’s opposition parties ready to meet Mutharika

Some of Malawi’s opposition parties say they are ready to meet President Peter Mutharika to map the way forward for the nation.
The parties include Malawi Congress Party (MCP), People’s Party (PP), United Democratic Front (UDF), People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) and Malawi Forum for Unity and Development (Mafunde).
MCP’s spokesperson, Jessie Kabwila said the party is looking forward to meeting the President since the party wants to hear from him regarding the plans he has for the country.
“At this point, our role is to hold government accountable on  human rights, governance and many other issues so this would be an opportunity for us to interact with him on issues,” she said.
PP’s Vice President for the south, Brown Mpinganjira said it is high time people buried elections bitterness and concentrate on building the nation together.
“If Mutharika were meeting all opposition parties on a round table for the benefit of Malawians then we would be there.  We can’t be bitter for five years because that way the country would not develop,” he said.
United Democratic Front (UDF) spokesperson, Ken Ndanga said the party is ready to meet the President if it is on issues of national interest.
“What is important is to put a common Malawian first.  We believe the president would want to put a common Malawian in the village first too,” he said.
PPM’s President Mark Katsonga said his party was open minded and very willing to interact with the government on matters that are crucial for national development.
“We don’t want to dictate to him on what to do and how he should do it but rather get engaged in a dialogue wherever necessary.  He has already shown good gesture and I believe this will continue,” he said.
Malawi Forum for Unity and Development President George Nnensa said elections are over and it is time to move on.
“We are ready to meet the President to see how to develop the country,” he said.
Executive Director of Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI), Rafiq Hajat said the President’s intention to meet the opposition and their willingness to meet him is very healthy for democracy.
“It’s very essential that they work together.  The role of opposition parties Is not to oppose but to provide constructive criticism for the well being of the people,” he said.
(BNL Times)