By Dean Chisambo
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential aspirant Paul Gama said he has convinced that Malawians are tired of the status quo due to the country missed some fundamentals for a long time ago and it is only worse now, which they want to have a true leader in charge of the state affairs.
Speaking in an interview with National publication Gadama said he is been more compelled than now that the DPP and Malawians need new beginning, saying being ranked the poorest nation when all the neighbours are advancing, is a clear sign of failed fundamentals.
He said: “Malawi needs to catch up and outgrow, most countries that were war torn.All our method don’t inspire me for people that are hungry for development, l want to prudently utilitise our resources to maximum productivity so that Malawians advance. Being an economist myself, I feel the only thing needed for the country to develop is for me to win at the DPP’s July 2023 convention and later to win the presidency in 2025”.
Asked on the endorsement of former president and DPP leader Peter Mutharika to represent the party again in 2025 polls, Gadama said Mutharika is the incumbent and most popular candidate in the party and they respect him saying they are privileged that their President is the most democratic leader and he made his intentions clear twice publicly encouraging members to elect the best candidates at the convention.
Gadama said: ” It is on this basis that APM himself has’t communicated his contrary intentions that we are proceeding as planned. This decision could likely be reconsidered if there was a change of heart on his part, otherwise it is the expectation of many delegates that DPP will elect me at the convention and probably the candidate for DPP come 2025.”
On his comments on the divisions within the DPP and the cause, he said the perceived divisions in DPP are normal and healthy saying the membership anticipates new leaders, leaders are simply trying to level up and out-compete each other which is very normal.
He further lamented that it is the followers mainly that try to bring wars against each other which is very normal in a democracy, he said he sees no divisions after the convention saying it will be one big family headed by him.
Commenting on the assuming victory during the DPP’s convention, he said he will see unique capabilities in all the contestants at the convention saying he will bring everyone on board in a mutually agreed leadership council concept.
He further said in the concept he is looking at the leadership consisting of not limited to the unsuccessful candidates, whereby one will render their expertise for a greater good of the DPP and the country. He also said :” I believe my candidacy will cut through the political divide, regional divide and will reshape Malawi’s politics.”
Commenting on what is wrong with the current government problems which the DPP can solve, he said everything is currently wrong, the status quo has plunged citizens into poverty saying it has thrown out highly experienced Malawians and settled for average disposition.
Gadama also said the Tonse Alliance government has failed to serve Malawians, instead has stolen unspeakable billions from them saying even the primary school child knows what’s going on and they are helpless.
He said :” I plan to fix the rot in three months and I know how! I plan to go out if the way and employ high level leadership on numerous projects, including the farm subsidy whose benefits nobody can point out and I will bring agricultural revolution.
” The majority of our youths are jobless, the one million job promise failed miserably and was reduced to a political rhetric. I plan to change social and community norms to yield high productivity, thereby train, re – engage our productive citizens so that Malawi can meaningful develop.”
Gadama who is a son to former minister Aaron Gadama who was killed during one party regime added that he is a person who understands wealth creation and he intend to deploy the same at macro level.
The DPP will hold its convention in July this year where delegates are expected to elect the party President who is also going to represent the party in 2025 poll.
Among the presidential aspirants who are vying for party presidency are Paul Gadama, Josephy Mwanamvekha, Dalitso Kabambe, Bright Msaka and Kondwani Nankhumwa.
