Participants to a public debate organised by the National Initiative for Civic Education Trust (NICE) in Chiradzulu on Tuesday, cautioned aspirants against abuse of finances and inequalities in the distribution of development projects.
The debate which was held in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Mpunga in Chiradzulu, accorded aspiring councillors with a chance to share their manifestos to the electorates ahead of the May polls.
In an interview, some of the attendees, noted that their Ward (Mitumbira), has been sidelined in terms of projects, owing to political interferences and mismanagement of public funds.
For instance, they said funds for the construction of a Police Unit there, were largely embezzled, and that only a small amount was used to construct the same.
One of the electorates, John Miliyasi said: “We want leaders who are willing to be accountable with our resources, and equally distribute projects for the benefit of all of us”.
Miliyasi added that it is sad to note that part of the Ward remains underdeveloped as compared to the other one, despite having a Councillor who was elected by all people.
In concurrence, Gloria Bizwick said time has come for people to choose leaders based on their sound manifestos and capabilities.
“We are very much grateful to NICE for organising this debate, as it is providing us an opportunity to scrutinize different manifestos. Come polling day, we are geared to elect potential leaders who are development-conscious,” she pointed out.
Six of the eight candidates who participated in the debate unanimously agreed on constructing an office for transacting Ward business, ending water woes, road construction, as well as ending theft of public resources meant for projects, once elected.
The candidates included Gimlet Molande (Independent), Michael Nasiyaya (UP), Frank Kaleso (UTM) and John Nasiyaya (UDF).
Speaking earlier, Regional Civic Education Officer for NICE, Enock Chinkuntha, said the Trust wanted to empower the voters to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders-in-waiting beyond May polls.
“We want to see a Malawi where leaders and their people interact on various development issues, thereby making democracy work,” he said.
