By Twink Jones Gadama
A recent national address by former President Peter Mutharika has ignited a heated debate, with some critics accusing him of undermining the authority of the current president. However, others argue that Mutharika’s address was well within his rights as a former head of state and leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
At the center of the controversy is Undule Mwakasangula, an agent of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), who has been vocal in his criticism of Mutharika’s address. Mwakasangula claims that Mutharika’s actions are a clear attempt to undermine the authority of President Lazarus Chakwera.
However, a closer examination of the Malawi Constitution reveals that former presidents are not prohibited from addressing the nation through various media channels. In fact, the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, which includes the right to communicate one’s views to the public.
It’s worth noting that Mutharika’s address did not claim or imply that he is the current head of state. Rather, he spoke as the leader of the DPP and a former president, addressing his supporters and the broader Malawian public.
Mwakasangula’s criticism of Mutharika’s address has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that he is overstepping his bounds. “Mwakasangula should stop poking his nose into issues he doesn’t understand,” said one observer. “He failed to cite a single section of the Constitution that prohibits former presidents from addressing their supporters through media channels.”
The controversy has also raised questions about the role of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), which is a public broadcaster funded by taxpayers’ money. While MBC is supposed to be an impartial platform for public discourse, critics argue that it has been hijacked by the MCP government and used as a propaganda tool.
In a surprising twist, some have questioned Mwakasangula’s motives, suggesting that his criticism of Mutharika’s address may be driven by a desire to curry favor with the MCP government. “Mwakasangula is a failed activist who has been trying to advance his own interests by attacking the DPP,” said one commentator. “It’s no surprise that he’s now trying to defend the MCP government’s actions.”
As the debate continues to rage, one thing is clear: the Malawi Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and former presidents like Peter Mutharika have the right to communicate their views to the public. Whether or not one agrees with Mutharika’s views, it’s essential to respect his right to express them.
