LANDSLIDE

There we go. The king is dead, long live the king! From apparent obscurity, the Phoenix rose from the ashes. Bingu and his brand new Democratic Progressive Party managed to gather a majority in the house from only a hand full of valiant trail blazers.

There was anxiety and trepidation as the elections got underway. Who would lead Malawi for better or for worse? A desperate Bakili, hell bent to hold onto power, finally got a slip from the people. There are, I am sure, sighs of relief amongst many UDF gurus to at last get on with restructuring the leadership of the once mighty party. Five minutes to twelve, smaller political throngs lead by the likes of Gwanda and Katsonga and a few independents threw their weight behind Bingu when they saw the light on the horizon. Tembo saw his dominance in the Central Region badly challenged and has now ample time to plan his political retirement. Of the seven presidential candidates, five were also-runs and had no bearing on the electoral outcome.

From the outset it seemed quite clear that economically active and savvy urbanites were solidly behind Bingu the economist. Yet surprisingly the often underestimated judgement of the rural communities was rather astute. Traditional powerbases of MCP, UDF and several old established members have been obliterated. The spirit of democracy at long last seems to come of age. Populists dazzling us with empty promises and cheap hand outs are hopefully on the way to the scrap heap and issues rather than personalities might get the better of the political game.

Now we can hope and look forward to a more mature way of handling our affairs. Ministers will with any luck be appointed on merit and not for expedience sake. The members of the House even from the opposition will god willing make meaningful contributions for our betterment and not theirs. They have to come to realise their obligations and not their privileges that put them where they are.

The spell of the power lusting African leaders that have been holding on to power by hook and by crook is hopefully a thing of the past. We appeal to the President to prune his successors starting now as any good manager who will coach deputies and successors from the outset.

Malawi woyeeeeee!