GNU OR NOT?

GNU OR NOT?
By Andekuche D Samalani Chanthunya

The interpretation of Section 65 by the Courts have once again sparked the debate of whether its time to commit ourselves to a government of national unity or not. Those who advocate for it say it’s the only way to escape the looming crisis should the speaker decide to evoke controversial section.

At a time like this, two Malawians would be of great help. The first is Kamuzu Banda, who is late and Bakili Muluzi whom unfortunately is still in party politics. That mere fact reduces his influence and since he is caught in the power tussle too, Malawi can not benefit from him at a time we need him most.

In any negations each party brings forth its proposals and both compromise. It is ever a ‘win-some, loose-some and indeed some people have to swallow their pride. What will be interesting to note is what each Malawian parties will bring to the table, putting in mind that at the end of the day, the country needs to be served.

A GNU of convenience will neither strengthen government nor ensure economic growth. Such a marriage will only serve the interest of a few people who are desperate to be part of a government regardless of whether the government is successful or not, so ling as power comes to their finger tips.

Suppose the four parties meet. Will the UDF accept to be part of the governments’ tough stand on corruption when they already failed? What has changed within them? Will MCP accept the second Vice Presidency knowing they can be dismissed at the will of the president? When clearly they are the largest party in parliament? Being the largest parliamentary party will the bow to UDF who will obviously insist on maintaining the first vice presidency arguing on a first come first serve. Will the DPP be ready to give up the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture to MCP? And without those two ministries, can the DPP claim to be in-charge?

The UDF will insist on occupying the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney ‘Generalship,’
What then will happen? Will the fight against corruption, which helped attain debt cancellation, continue? Will the president agree to consult MCP and UDF who, in the name of job security, will demand total consultation before hiring and firing public officers?

The problem in Malawi is not Section 65, and the solution is definitely not Government of National Unity. The problem is lack of party ideologies and personal principles. The solution is the reformation of the political system in our nation. Politicians have to understand that parliament does not belong to the president or to the speaker the Mps or the political parties. Parliament belongs to the people of Malawi and it is they who fund it whose interest should be served.

A coalition that brings individuals together can never out do a coalition where policies are brought together and woven with principled and dignified individuals. It’s the latter that produces a common goal which unfortunately is well ahead of the sleazy politics that haunt us.

The next elections are only two years away. If and when we decide to bow down to a GNU, it will take a year to agree on sharing power and another year to settle down. At the rate we have been going lately, we need a whole year battling through elections campaign.

The best way forward is to let government get on with its job. As for Section 65, government MPs should relish the opportunity to take on the UDF and the MCP considering that they have the massive achievements of the past two years to show to the voters. The opposition should concentrate on party reforms. Let me make it clear that by reform I don’t not imply the removal of John Tembo or Bakili Muluzi as leaders of MCP and UDF respectively, it will be almost impossible however, to put through any reforms with the current leaderships in the two parties.