Malawi Politician says President Joyce Banda no longer inspiring to women
Ruling People’s Party (PP) has got about 18 aspiring members of Parliament. Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and United Democratic Party could not figure out the number of their female candidates for the tripartite elections.
DPP’s Director of Women Affairs, Patricia Kaliati attributed this to “sound and visionary leadership” of their torch bearer, Professor Peter Mutharika, whom she said, levelled the playing field for all aspiring candidates during the parties primaries.
“This demonstrate that, as a party, we are committed to achieving 50-50 campaign and to have the highest women representation in the National Assembly,” said Kaliati in an interview Friday.
Kaliati took swipe at President Joyce Banda and her ruling People’s Party (PP) for failing to create an enabling environment for aspiring female Parliamentary candidates.
“She (President Banda) is no longer a role model as most women have lost trust in her. She has failed to inspire women in her own party and what good can you expect from such a woman?” said Kaliati.
She claimed that President Banda is one woman who is “busy castigating” fellow women, mainly DPP’s Secretary General Jean Kalirani.
However, PP and UDF will field parliamentary candidates in all the 193 constituencies whereas DPP will have one candidate less.
The parties in question will also be represented in all 452 wards.
DPP will not field candidate in Rumphi West Constituency following delays to submit nomination papers by their aspirant.
