By Correspondent.
Malawi. (News of The South) – The country’s vice president Saulos Klauz Chilima has told the nation that the state president, Peter Mutharika has not yet spoken to him since the constitutional court nullified the 2019 presidential election results which the also reinstated him as vice president.
Chilima made the revelation on Tuesday evening in an exclusive interview on one of the country’s private media channels, Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS)
Chilima said he is still waiting for delegation by the president and get direction on what he should do in the office, but he is equally ready to work.
The UTM leader responded to some questions addressing Pertinent issues which Malawians were expecting to hear from the vice president whose reinstatement automatically deposed Overton Chimlirenji, the running mate to Mutharika in the annulled presidential elections.
“I have not spoken with the President since the court ruling. We are still waiting for response on our request through our lawyers,” he said
On the issue of his benefits he said he will be getting the salary but will be donating it because he is not working for it while adding that if the president decides to give him work, he is set.
On DPP-UDF marriage Chilima said the alliance is the expression of Freedom of association enshrined in the constitution, and It is part of democracy which demonstrates the right to associate.
UTM on possible alliances, the vice president revealed to have chatted informally with United Democratic Front (UDF) leader, Atupele Muluzi but was not anything formal.
“I would get into an alliance with anybody, we can get into a discussion with them only that the mistake we make is that we want to paint everyone with the same brush.
“We want to engage on what would be a good alliance. We need to think about the desired state of the country, how do we get there and who leads us there,
“There has to be a semblance of convergence of our manifestos, If not the alliance will collapse,” he said
He then said if UTM fail to get into meaningful alliance, they will go it alone saying they are giving alliances a chance but if nothing comes up then will go it alone while adding that as UTM they stand a chance if they work very well only need a good organization being well represented across the country
On UTM-MCP alliance Chilima said there are discussions underway for a possible alliance saying there is a team looking at the alliance options which will give a position and that Malawians will be communicated on the position in the next few days.
“We need to engage very deeply about how we want to move. I am not looking for perfect situation, but we don’t want to get into a situation where an alliance creates voter apathy,
“Leadership is not a determining factor as we explore alliances, we want to go into an alliance with motivation to address issues affecting Malawians. It is not so much about me, but how we deliver change. If the alliance decides that moving forward should mean I take the lead, so be it, If not, that is also fine,” he said.
Chilima also responded openly on the issue of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioners saying Parliamentary Appointments Committee (PAC) has made a recommendation for them to get fired which he said is good and they must also be held accountable.
“I don’t expect that we will be stuck with the same commissioners for long, we can move on with a new commission. I would urge the President to release them so that we move on, It’s an opportunity. If the President does not fire them that’s a recipe for unrest,” Chilima emphasized
On his relationship with one of the constitutional court judges, Justice Dingiswayo Madise the UTM leader chose to reserve his comment.
And finally on the way forward, Chilima suggested that the country has an opportunity to move forward and it is a great opportunity to correct a number of things. He further said that there is also a great need to quickly get down to business and develop this country having learnt from the past.
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