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Articles by Mike Fiko
Malawi: Chakwera's Touch of Humility - Can He Make It a Mark of His Leadership?
The story of Lazarus Chakwera's rise to presidency is typical of a Malawian boy, born and raised in kerosene but, against all odds, he benefited from a functional education system that catapulted him to different capitals of power. In him you see a man who never missed a stage of life and, also, the hustles that define the label of being a Malawian. To those close to him, Chakwera can be an enigma.
Malawi: Stress Test for Tonse Alliance - By-Elections Fight Reveals Deep-Seated Hostility Between MCP and Utm
In the beginning there was Malawi Congress Party (MCP)andUTM--two different political parties, sharply divided in philosophy and agenda, the likelihood of having the two in an alliance was unarguably negligible. On the campaign trail to the botched 2019 tri-partite elections, MCPandUTM traded scary barbs that a slight dream of having the two together, one day, would have seen millions demanding they help you to a mental hospital.
Malawi: We Don't Need a Short-Time Angry President - Malawi Need Decisive Leader Who Punishes Impunity
President Lazarus Chakwera was visibly angry and menacing on Thursday, flanked by a Malawi army chief and the police boss, while addressing the nation, mostly, about the leakage of Malawi School Certificate Examinations (MSCE) examinations. Perhaps, that was the first time to see an angry Chakwera flashing his anger in public for, what one would say, for good reasons. It was for good reasons because he was reacting to a real problem that needed such a gesture from a Head of State.
Malawi: Chakwera's 100 Days of Hope and Betrayal - Malawi At a Crossroads
In 100 days, President Lazarus Chakwera has given us hope by not taking us back to Egypt but, at the same time, betrayed us by not putting us on a clear path to Canaan. As the nation stands today, we are in the doldrums, at a crossroads where we are not sure if we should smile or cry. Let's face it, before June 23, Malawi was in Egypt--the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ruined the spirit of the nation to core.
Malawi: Chilima First 100 Days in Office As Malawi Veep - Energetic, Professional, Focused but Controversial
It is not easy to quantify the value Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) has brought back to the Office of the Vice-President especially when the predecessor is Mr Everton Chimulirenji. Meek, unsophisticated, loyal and to the book, Chimulirenji's short stint as veep was defined by attending funerals, cheering the unfortunate, gracing graduation ceremonies of backstreet colleges and, of course, being visibly present wherever the president goes.
Malawi: Joyce Banda Named in U.S. Confidential Report Over Arms Deal - Clarifies 'President Do Not Award Contracts in Malawi'
Former president Joyce Banda appears in the US FinCEN files which have revealed how some of the world's biggest banks have allowed criminals to move dirty money around the world as she was investigated over Malawi government's arms procurement deal with South Africa's Paramount Group.
Malawi: Muluzi Killed Udf, Mutharika Is Killing DPP - the Ugly Face of Dynasty Politics
The greatest political regret of United Democrtaic Front (UDF) founding leader, former president Bakili Muluzi, could be that Atupele - his son - wasn't over 35 years old ( the entry age of contesting for president ) in 2004. Muluzi was not ready to let UDF in anybody's leadership apart from himself. Perhaps--in his push for Open and Third Term bids--Muluzi wanted to keep the party to himself until his son, Atupele, comes of legal age to lead.
Malawi: Unsafe Abortion Is Hurting Malawi Women - Pregnancy Termination Bill Is Important Piece of Legislation
State House confirmed on Monday that the Termination of Pregnancy Bill will be tabled in the current sitting of Parliament. As expected, voices against this bill are already soaring. For instance, the Malawi Council of Churches, Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Muslim Association of Malawi, Evangelical Association of Malawi and Qadria Muslims Association of Malawi have all spoken against the proposed bill.
Malawi: Ambitious and Bold K2.2tn Malawi Budget to Fulfill Campaign Promises - Will Tonse Deliver?
Finance Minister Felix Mlusu on Friday presented a K2.2 trillion National Budget which, despite government's shrinking resource envelope, is visibly bold and ambitious in ensuring that every Tonse Alliance campaign promise is delivered.
Malawi: Sad Times for Malawi Democracy As Tonse Capture Media and CSOs
The terrain of Malawi mainstream media and, also, that of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) isn't looking pretty. We have entered a disturbing chapter in our democracy as far holding governments to account is anything to go by. There is no denying here: Most key media houses and vibrant CSOs have been strategically folded in government armpits and this, unarguably, should worry all of us. Brian Banda was a great voice in asking right and provoking questions to duty-bearers.
Malawi: MCP, Utm Alliance Will Crack With These Disloyal Politicians They Are Welcoming
If there is something Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM should be so worried about, today, then it's these disloyal politicians they keep, separately, welcoming into their fold. Each and every day we keep getting stuffed with news of this politician or that separately joining either UTM or MCP - who are in the governing Tonse Alliance. To these two parties, it is easy to think their respective parties are becoming attractive and, in fact, they even interpret this as growth. I chose to differ.
Malawi: ACB to Investigate Nocma, Escom, Mera K5bn Scam After HRDC Whistleblowing Initiative
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) says it has busted a scam costing tax-payers about K5 billion involving three parastatals: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera), Electricity Supply Commission of Malalwi (Escom) and National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma). HRDC, through its Whistleblower Initiative, has since reported the matter to Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and wants a quick investigation into it.
Malawi: Mathanga, 3 Others Indicted On K4bn Escom Corruption Scam - Granted Court Bail
A commissioner of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Jean Mathanga, who is former Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) board chairperson has been formally charged together with former chief executive officer John Kandulu and two others in connection with a K4 billion corruption scandal at the power utility.
Malawi: Mutharika Alleges Being Victim of Identity Fraud in Malawi Cement-Gate Scandal
Former president Peter Mutharika has denied instructing his personal bodyguard Norman Chisale for the controversial importation of K5 billion worth of cement allegedly using Mutharika duty-free status for sitting presidents. Chisale was arrested by Fiscal Police and faces fraud and money laundering charges as he is alleged to have used Mutharika's taxpayer identification number to facilitate the transactions.
Malawi: In Abida Mia, Chakwera Has Awarded Sacrifice, Loyalty, Hard-Work and Excellence - It's Not Nepotism
President Lazarus Chakwera can be lambasted with every word available regarding his Cabinet choice but, let's face it, appointment of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) lawmaker Abida Mia as deputy minister is a mark worth celebrating. It is worth celebrating because, to a larger extent, it symbolizes Chakwera's resolve to reward sacrifice, hard work, loyalty and excellence. Let us face it.
Malawi New Cabinet Provokes Backlash - It's Nepotistic, Chauvinistic, Without Star Players
As the new Cabinet lineup that will administer state affairs in the Tonse Alliance government assembled by President Lazarus Chakwera in consultation with his vice-president Saulos Chilima is set to be sworn-in, critics have berated the team.
Malawi: Chakwera's Inauguration Speech Hailed As 'Inspiring' - to Haul Malawi From Poor Economic Status
Prominent Malawians and ordinary citizens roundly hailed President Lazarus Chakwera's speech at inauguration ceremony at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe as "inspiring" and said it reflected his vision and resolve to build a new Malawi. Business tycoon Jimmy Koreia Mpatsa described Chakwera's inaugural address as unprecedented and historic which has infused new energy, trust, and pride among the countrymen.
Malawi: As Malawi Power Shifts - Where Malawians Want Chakwera to Lead Them to
Political power is a prostitute; yesterday it was in bed with Peter Mutharika and, see now, today it's busy in Lazarus Chakwera's bed. It has, in a flash of a moment, made Chakwera to be called His Excellency the State President Chakwera and, oops, thrown Mutharika into the club of Bakili Muluzi and Joyce Banda--former presidents.
Malawi: From North Malawi - Can Monica Chakwera Save the First Lady Title
A wife to a President is supposed to be what she is: a wife; nothing more. This, of course, should be the case because, during elections, presidential candidates appear on the ballot paper with their running mates, not spouses. To mean, spouses--either wives or husbands, are not, legally, part of the presidency. The presidency involves the President and their vice.
Malawi: Kasambala Demands Malawi 'Economic Justice' - ACB Stops Concealment of Proceeds of Crime
The former minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Ralph Kasambara has advised the Lazarus Chakwera government to act, swiftly, against everyone who looted public money during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime. Writing on his Facebook account on Monday afternoon, Kasambala said since Malawi has a new Minister of Finance, Minister of Homeland Security and Attorney General in office, it is time government started dealing with issues of economic justice.
Malawi: Chakwera's Partial Cabinet - Mixture of Hope and Anxiety for New Malawi
President Lazarus Chakwera has announced a partial Cabinet that, give it a second look, stirs a mixed feeling of hope and anxiety. You have to be hopeful to see the energetic and workaholic Vice president Saulos Chilima back to head Public Sector Reforms where, after making great strides, he left a gap his contemporaries failed to fill.
Malawi: MEC Caution On Unofficial Results of Malawi Polls - Some 'Fake' Circulating On Social Media
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Justice Dr Chifundo Kachale has warned media houses in the country to tread carefully when publishing unofficial results, saying the move has the potential of misleading the nation. Kachale and MEC commissioners at the media briefing: With social media it is possible for anyone to come up with their own results and distribute them.
Malawi: Chakwera This, Chakwera That - Do We Really Know Malawi's in-Coming President?
Lazarus Chakwera is, definitely, at his political best; in fact, stakes are high he would be Malawi's next Head of State. Chawkera: Flashes red card to DPP Chakwera flashes red card Chakwera: Red card Pack up and go: Chakwera symbolically flashes a red card to DPP For a political figure with a history of being a religious leader, Chakwera exudes a figure of moral uprightness and integrity in the dirty game of politics.
Malawi: MEC Throws Out Mbakuwaku's Complaint - Says Doesn't Have a Valid Claim
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says Mbakuwaku Movement for Development (MMD) leader Peter Kuwani doesn't have a valid claim in demand the body to disqualify the candidature President Peter Mutharika and Lazarus Chakwera. Kachale; Mbakuwaku complaint dismissed Kuwani wanted MEC to disqualify Mutharika and Chakwera for changing their new running mates, arguing that the move to have new running mates contravenes the February 2 Constitutional Court ruling.
Malawi: MCP Withdraws Appointment Case of Mathanga, Kunje and Two Others - Free At Last!
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson has announced that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has withdrawn a court case commenced against the appointment of commissioners Jean Mathanga, Linda Kunje, Steve Duwa and Arthur Nathuru. MEC Chairperson For Electoral Services Committe Jean Mathanga can stay The High Court in Lilongwe weeks ago granted the opposition Tonse Alliance an order to start a judicial review into the recent appointment of some Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioners.
Malawi: Game On! Malawi Elections Official Results Trickling - Mutharika, Chakwera in Tight Race
Results of the June 23 fresh presidential polls have started trickling in at the Main Tally Centre at College of Medicine Sports Complex in Blantyre, showing the two leading candidates in Malawi's court-sanctioned fresh presidential election are in a tight race. Mutharika (L) and Chakwera: Two horse race Reports indicate that, so far, batch of results from Chiradzulu, Likoma Island and Mwanza have arrived.
Malawi: Chakwera or Mutharika? the Choice Between Experience and Rawness for Malawi
Tuesday's June 23 elections could be a fulfillment of a development prophecy told in 1998 through the Vision 2020 development plan. Peter Mutharika, left, of the Democratic Progressive Party, and Lazarus Chakwera, leader of the Malawi Congress Party In that development plan--endorsed both by then leader President Bakili Muluzi and opposition leader Gwamba Chakuamba--there was a prophecy, a vision, of what Malawi, development wise, will be in year 2020.
Malawi Wanted a Trusted Pollster - Kachale's MEC Is Giving Hope
Justice Dr Chifundo Kachale inherited a Justice Dr Jane Mayemu Ansah Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) that, in all intents and purposes, represented what is terribly wrong with the country's key governance institutions. From the time Ansah took over MEC from the departed Justice Maxon Mbendera, public trust in MEC was already wobbling.
Malawi: Court Summons 4 MEC Commissioners to Explain Their Appointment
Four Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioners have received summons from the High Court to explain how they were appointed and they are meeting their lawyers on the matter. Commissioner Nanthulu: Asked to provide response to court This was revealed by MEC chairperson Dr Chifundo Kachale during the Thursday night press briefing in Lilongwe.
Malawi: Govt Releases K10bn for Malawi Elections, MEC Upbeat On Progress - Voting Day May Still Be Affected
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has confirmed that government through Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamvekha will give them K10 billion to help them manage the June 23 fresh presidential elections. Kachale: Ready to deliver a credible election Speaking during a late news briefing in Lilongwe on Thursday, MEC chairperson Dr Chifundo Kachale said they are upbeat of delivering a credible fresh election.
Malawi: Has Chilima's Manifesto Humbled Chakwera's Hi-5 Message?
In the beginning there were two different political parties--Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM; each with its own message to woo voters. Chakwera: Malawi needs transformative leadership The MCP led by Lazarus Chakwera, had a catchy HI-5 phrase premised on: servant leadership, prospering together, ending corruption, rule of law and national unity.
Malawi: Budget 2020/21 - Mwanamvekha Unveils Problematic K2 Trillion Financial Plan, Malawi May Go Into Recession
Minister of Finance Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwanamvekha on Friday morning presented the 2020/21 problematic National Budget with a backdrop of experiencing a dramatic 35 percent drop in revenue collection. The 2020/21 National Budget has been pegged at K2.2 trillion, which represents a 9 percent increase from the 1.84 trillion mid-year revised estimate in the 2019/20 budget.
Malawi: Tonse Must Be Transparent On Alliance Deal As Malawi Government-in-Waiting
One of the greatest political problems of our age is the lack of transparency from the people or institutions that manage our public affairs. MCP president Lazarus Chakwera and his UTM Party counterpart Saulos Chilima It is even scary when one of the institutions practicing lack of transparency is the group of people that have come together with an intention of getting into government and manage affairs of the public.
Malawi: Tonse Should Underestimate Atupele's Campaign Crusades At Their Own Peril
From a distance, the combined figures of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM--judged from last year's botched elections, looks all pretty to Tonse Alliance. Atupele speaking at Tukombo In Nkhatabay If you add Saulos Klaus Chilima and Lazarus Chakwera's votes and compare them with President Peter Mutharika and Atupele Muluzi, the likely prediction is that Tonse Alliance is forming the next government.
Malawi: Mutharika Concedes Malawi Divided Nation - 'Citizens Love Politics More Than Development'
President Peter Mutharika had chastised Malawian accusing them of loving politics more than development. Delivering his State of Nation Address to Parliament through a video link on Friday, Mutharika said first problem the country has experienced in the past year is that people like politics more than development. "We have forgotten our love for our country. Let us also admit we have become a divided nation. We have been thinking and voting on regional lines for some time now.
Malawi: Mutharika Tells MPs to Hold Judges Accountable - 'Malawi Parliament Supreme Above Courts'
President Peter Mutharika has told parliament to hold judges accountable on the judgements, saying they are not immune from criticisms and that Parliament is more supreme above the courts. In recorded state of the nation address, Mutharika said disagreeing with judgments made in the courts is part of holding the judges accountable. He said the President and the Executive arm of government are always held accountable in parliament. "This parliament respects courts.
Malawi Profiles in Dishonor - the Sickening Tale of Mutharika and Joyce Banda Trading Insults
If ours was a functional democracy, President Peter Mutharika and his predecessor, Joyce Banda, wouldn't have been making news today. Banda lost elections in 2014. By that damning fact, she should have accepted, or be forced to accept, that Malawians don't want her to be part of, or anywhere close to the country's political leadership. If she were a woman of honour, she could have retired to silence and leave Malawi's political space alone.
Malawi: The Charm of Mtambo - Can 'Commander-in-Chief' Unite Malawians?
Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo is, with each passing day, becoming a public figure of reckon, a youthful and energetic mobiliser, a charmer whom the nation, from Nsanje to Chitipa, is listening to.
Malawi in Constitutional Crisis, Says Dean of Law - 'Mec Chair Is Not an Appointee of President'
Legal experts have said the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah from her position has pushed the country into a constitutional criris with barely 42 days to the final countdown of the court ordered 150 days to hold the fresh presidential election.
Malawi: Go Well, Jane Ansah, but History Won't Be Kind to You!
Actually, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah --a judge of the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal--was just supposed to tender her resignation, pack her things and, like Dambudzo Marechera, leave. Calling it quits: The term of office for Ansah was set to expire in October but has resigned now But her resignation, on that Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) television exclusive interview on Thursday, was totally ambiguous.
Malawi Top Prosecutor Says White-Collar Crimes Are Complex - Justifies Delay in Cashgate Trial
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mary Kachale has said the white-collar crimes like the biggest financial scandal in Malawi's history known as "cashgate" are somewhat difficult to prosecute, hence the delay in logical conclusion of the trial of K2.4 billion involving former Ministry of Finance budget director Paul Mphwiyo and 18 others. Kachale: I think Malawians should understand white collar crimes.
Malawi Seeks Extradition of 'Cashgate' Fugitive Limumba From South Africa
Malawi government will issue an extradition request to South Africa for an alleged Cashgate-linked fugitive Limumba Karim, Director of Public Prosecution Mary Kachale said on Wednesday.
Malawi: Alliances - Who Has Attractive Campaign Messages for Malawi Swing Voters?
The campaign season for the July 2 [or June 23] Fresh President Elections is in full swing and, already, daggers are drawn. Chilima and Chakwera: Tonse Alliance Mutharika and Atupele: DPP-UDF alliance It's a war of two alliances, each with a strong base of voters but to win these elections, the battle comes down to swing voters.
Malawi: If Chakwera Wins Malawi Presidency, Brace for Destructive Political Fight in Tonse Alliance
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) presidential hopeful Lazarus Chakwera is driving a heavily-packed opposition Tonse Alliance, but that shouldn't worry you. What should worry you is that, inside this alliance, there are several toxic politicians, pregnant with unlimited expectations of how they will be rewarded through awards of government jobs and business tenders.
Malawi: Chilima Under Fire for Describing Malawi Dictator Kamuzu As 'Champion of Democracy'
State vice-president Saulos Chilima has come under intense fire for describing founding president Hastings Kamuzu Banda - an autocrat with a streak of brutality who ruled Malawi for 31 years of one-party dictatorship - as champion of democracy.
Malawi: Total Chaos At Malawi Songwe Border After Arrests of Clearing Agents
Drama and complete chaos has reigned at Malawi's major northern border crossing of Songwe after the Department of Customs and Excise, under Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), recently arrested 9 customs clearing agents for fraud. The agents at the border are now demanding the arrest of customs officials who they accuse of corruption by openly soliciting bribes.
Malawi: On MBC, Blame Malawi Politicians, Not Staff Members
The story of recurring silliness at Malawi Broadcasting Corportaion (MBC) is as old as our fond of curing symptoms. For all we know is that MBC has been what it has always been: towing the line of the incumbent, simultaneously, throwing vulgar at the opposition. We seem so worried, today, not because we care about honest journalism from the State broadcaster; rather, MBC has slapped Saulos Chilima--a politician whose followers are the loudest on social media. But wait a minute.
Malawi: Chimulirenji Spotted On the Road - Apm Picks Aa Running Mate for Malawi Re-Run
President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has preferred United Democratic Front (UDF) president Austin Atupele (AA) Muluzi as his running mate in fresh presidential elections which will decide the future of his tenure, Nyasa Times understands. President Mutharika to pair with Atupele Mutharika is scheduled to present his nomination papers to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Thursday 3pm in Blantyre.
Malawi Coronavirus Cases Rise to 37, New Patient in Mzuzu Travelled From Tanzania
Minister of Health Jappie Mhango, has confirmed a new case of coronavirus in northern city of Mzuzu, bringing the total cases in Malawi to 37, including some recoveries and three deaths. He said new case has been confirmed by a laboratory at Mzuzu Central Hospital. "The person is a 40-year-old gentleman who returned from Mbeya, Tanzania on 27 April 2020," said Mhango. "On 28 April 2020, the village head was alerted that there was someone who just arrived from Tanzania.
Malawi Mafia Ministers Plundering COVID-19 Money, This Nonsense Must Stop
Some people in the country have always wondered why government has, strongly and repeatedly, resisted every call for an all-inclusive approach in managing novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Minister of Information Mark Botomani: Lying minister working for a lying government Well, this is it.
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