By Chisomo Phiri
Former President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Arthur Peter Mutharika has vowed to develop Malawi and make it look like Singapore if given another chance to govern the nation in the upcoming September 16 presidential election.
Speaking at a mega rally held at Chilimampunga Ground in Lilongwe on Saturday afternoon, Mutharika said he is determined to serve Malawians again, promising food security, economic prosperity, and national unity.
“I will not hand this country to anyone if God keeps me alive. I will work and serve the people of Malawi. I want to build a new Malawi where everyone has enough food and prospers,” he said.
The 85-year-old former president dismissed critics who question his age.
“Those who are talking nonsense about my age must stop. What matters is my vision and commitment to the people,” he said.
Mutharika further told the gathering that he accepted to contest again in order to rescue the country from what he described as ‘the path of destruction’.
He stressed that his mission is not for personal glory but for national transformation.
Mutharika expressed concern over Malawi’s global rankings, noting that the country is now rated as the second poorest and the third saddest nation in the world.
“This is disheartening, and I am coming to change that,” he said.
The former president encouraged his supporters to intensify campaign efforts by reaching out door-to-door to secure a first-round victory for the DPP.
He said he is confident that the party will win regardless of the circumstances.
Mutharika said the youth and women remain the backbone of his campaign.
He then expressed excitement and gratitude for the huge turnout at the rally.
“I am very impressed with the mammoth crowd that has gathered here. It shows the people’s trust in us,” he said.
On her part,Mutharika’s running mate Jane Ansah described the former president as a legal expert committed to protecting rights and freedoms.
She said: “ Mutharika respects the rule of law.He never tolerated shedding of blood and people demonstrated freely.”
Others who attended the mega rally include DPP Second Deputy Vice-President Enock Chihana,Liberation for Economic Freedom (LEF) Party President David Mbewe,National Development Party (NDP) President Frank Mwenefumbo, and several senior party officials.
