Malawi: Joyce Banda files papers to contest presidency

Malawi’s former and first female President, Joyce Banda on Tuesday filed papers to contest the upcoming presidential election.

Malawians will be choosing a new president on May 21 with Banda and other opposition candidates attempting to unseat President Peter Mutharika.

Last week four opposition parties including Banda’s party announced the formation of an alliance to defeat the ruling party.

But that alliance doesn’t seem a fruitful and strong force capable of succeeding in the next election. The alliance collapsed quickly.

Backed by her People’s Party (PP) supporters, Banda declared that her “mission in life has been, and still is, to assist women and youth… though business and education.”

She spoke of her records while in office and touted her commitment for women and the poor in society.

“We have sat down with experts in coming up with an economic model like no other and we believe that. In implementing that economic plan, we shall change Malawi,” Banda said.

Joyce Banda & her running mate Jerry Jana arrive at the Comesa Hall to present presidential nomination papers to MEC #Polls2019 pic.twitter.com/bJbWjK4BLB

— NationOnline (@NationOnlineMw) February 5, 2019

Return from exile

Last year Banda returned to Malawi after fleeing the country into self imposed exile for four years.

She fled the country in 2014 at the end of her tenure in the wake of a financial scandal.

The former Malawian president was then accused of abuse of office and money laundering, claims she denied.

Banda after fleeing lived in South Africa, UK and the USA.

Despite facing the threat of possible arrest over the corruption allegations, Banda returned home to relaunch her political career.

Banda lost the previous presidential elections to Peter Mutharika, after serving for two years.

#NominationPapers People’s Party President Dr. Joyce Banda and her running mate Jere Jana on their way to #COMESAHall to present her papers to #MEC #ZBSNews #2019Elections pic.twitter.com/IaQbHm3OOp

— Zodiak Online (@zodiakonline) February 5, 2019

Source: Africafeeds.com